Upper-Extremity Deep Vein Thrombosis

U pper-extremity deep vein thrombosis (UEDVT) is an increasingly important clinical entity with potential for considerable morbidity.Pulmonary embolism (PE) is present in up to one third of patients with UEDVT. 1 Other complications, such as persistent upper-extremity pain and swelling, the superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome, and loss of vascular access, can be disabling and devastating. 2Although once considered rare, UEDVT has become more common over the past several decades.This is directly related to the increasing use of central venous catheters for chemotherapy, bone marrow transplantation, dialysis, and parenteral nutrition.UEDVT has been reported in up to one fourth of patients with these catheters. 3For these reasons, it is imperative that physicians understand UEDVT risk factors, diagnostic options, treatment alternatives, and prophylaxis regimens. PathogenesisUEDVT most commonly refers to thrombosis of the axillary and/or subclavian veins.UEDVT is classified as primary or secondary on the basis of pathogenesis.