Upper-Extremity Deep Venous Thrombosis

New studies shed light on the natural history of the condition and reveal differences between upper- and lower-extremity DVT.

Clinicians are aware that upper-extremity deep venous thrombosis (UEDVT) differs in many respects from the more common lower-extremity deep venous thrombosis (LEDVT), but relatively few studies of UEDVT have been conducted. To assess the current perspective of UEDVT, Dutch researchers conducted a literature review of risk factors, treatments, and complications associated with the condition. In a separate study, Austrian investigators compared UEDVT and LEDVT in terms of risk factors and recurrence.

The Dutch study yielded the following information:

UEDVT (defined based on the occurrence of subclavian-, axillary-, or brachial-vein thrombi) is a relatively rare condition that accounts for 4% to 10% of all venous thromboses.
Primary UEDVT, which …

Reviewing Author

David Green, MD, PhD

Disclosures

EquityNovartis

David Green, MD, PhD

Disclosures

EquityNovartis