A New Guideline for Managing Upper-Extremity Deep Venous Thrombosis

Upper-extremity deep venous thrombosis (DVT) accounts for <10% of all DVT cases (Figure 1). Until now, management strategies for upper-extremity DVT have been largely similar to those for lower-extremity DVT, despite differences in etiology, comorbid conditions, and outcomes. Because the prevalence of upper-extremity DVT has been increasing with rising use of central venous catheters, implantable defibrillators, and pacemakers, the American Venous Forum — a professional society focused on venous and lymphatic disease — has developed dedicated upper-extremity DVT guidelines; n…