Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)

Diagnosis

Your medical professional will do a physical examination and inquire about your symptoms in order to identify DVT. The doctor will look for swelling, soreness, or changes in the skin’s color on the legs.

If your doctor believes you have a low or high risk of developing DVT will affect the tests you undergo.

Tests

The following tests are used to identify or rule out DVT:

• D-dimer blood test. Blood clots create a particular kind of protein called D dimer. The blood levels of D dimer are elevated in nearly all patients with severe DVT. This test frequently aids in ruling out PE.
• Duplex ultrasound. Duplex ultrasound is the standard method for diagnosing DVT. In this noninvasive examination, sound waves are used to visualize the veins’ blood flow. A small hand-held instrument (transducer) is softly moved over the body area being examined during the test by a healthcare professional. During several days, serial ultrasounds may be performed to look for any new blood clots or to see whether an existing one is expanding.
• Venography. This examination produces an image of the veins in the legs and feet using X-rays and dye. A big vein in the foot or ankle receives the dye injection. On X-rays, it makes blood vessels more visible. The procedure is uncommon since it is invasive. Usually, other tests—like an ultrasound—come first.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan. This examination could be used to identify DVT in the vein inside abdomen.

Treatment

The treatment of DVT aims to achieve three main objectives: prevent further growth of the clot, reduce the risk of developing another DVT, and prevent the clot from breaking into pieces and traveling to the lungs.

Options for DVT treatment include:

• Blood thinners (anticoagulants). These drugs aid in preventing blood clots from growing larger. Blood thinners lessen the chance of getting new clots.

Blood thinners can be administered orally, intravenously, or subcutaneously. DVT is treated with a variety of blood-thinning medications. Your healthcare provider and you will explore the advantages and disadvantages of each to decide which is best for you.

Blood-thinning medications may be required for three months or longer. To avoid major side effects, it’s crucial to take them exactly as directed.

Regular blood tests are required for those who take the blood thinner named warfarin to check the drug’s levels in the body. It is unsafe to take certain blood thinners when pregnant.

• Thrombolytics (clot busters). These medications are prescribed for more severe cases of DVT or PE or when other drugs aren’t functioning.

Clot busters are administered intravenously (IV) or through a catheter that is inserted right into the clot. They are typically only used for persons with significant blood clots since they can result in major bleeding.

• Filters. A filter may be inserted into the vena cava, a large vein in your abdomen, if you are unable to take medications to thin your blood. Clots that become loose are prevented from settling in the lungs by a vena cava filter.
• Compression stockings. These unique knee socks aid in preventing blood accumulation in the legs. They aid in lowering leg edema. Wear them from your feet to approximately the level of your knees. If at all possible, you should wear these stockings during the day for a few years if you have DVT.