Clinical Overview of Deep Vein Thrombosis

Abstract

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a common but preventable condition in hospitalized patients with potential acute fatal complications and disabling chronic morbidity. The risk factors are linked with the identified underlying pathogenic mechanism as described by Virchow's triad of stasis, hypercoagulability, and vascular injury. Prompt and accurate diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent potential complications. The validated diagnostic algorithm involves clinical suspicion, validated clinical prediction rule, D-dimer, and Doppler ultrasonography which is the gold standard for diagnosis. The mainstay of treatment of DVT is anticoagulation unless when there is an increased risk of bleeding. The standard anticoagulants in use include low molecular weight heparin, unfractionated heparin, warfarin, and the newly introduced direct oral anticoagulants (DOAs). DVT prophylaxis is important to prevent DVT and methods of prophylaxis include mechanical methods and anticoagulants either alone or in combination depending on the risk factor(s) in a particular patient.