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Complications
By Mayo Clinic staff
The primary complication to be concerned with in deep vein thrombosis is a pulmonary embolism.
Pulmonary embolism
A pulmonary embolism occurs when an artery in your lung becomes blocked by a blood clot (thrombus) that travels to your lungs from another part of your body, usually your leg.
A pulmonary embolism can be fatal. So, it's important to be on the lookout for signs and symptoms of a pulmonary embolism and seek medical attention if they occur. Signs and symptoms of a pulmonary embolism include:
- Unexplained shortness of breath.
- Chest pain or discomfort. This pain or discomfort usually gets worse when you take a deep breath or when you cough.
- Feeling lightheaded or dizzy, or fainting.
- Coughing up blood.
- A sense of anxiety or nervousness.
Post-phlebitic syndrome
A common complication that can occur after deep vein thrombosis is a condition known as post-phlebitic syndrome, also called post-thrombotic syndrome. This syndrome is used to describe a collection of signs and symptoms, including:
- Swelling of your legs (edema)
- Leg pain
- Skin discoloration
This syndrome is caused by damage to your veins from the blood clot. This damage reduces blood flow in the affected areas. The symptoms of post-phlebitic syndrome may not occur until a few years after the DVT. Treatment options include medications, such as aspirin or diuretics, as well as the use of compression stockings.
- Deep vein thrombosis. National Heart Lung and Blood Institute. http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/Dvt/DVT_All.html. Accessed June 17, 2009.
- Are you at risk for deep vein thrombosis? Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/Features/Thrombosis. Accessed June 17, 2009.
- Kyrle P, et al. Deep vein thrombosis. The Lancet. 2005;365:1163.
- Heit JA. The epidemiology of venous thromboembolism in the community. Atherosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular Biology. 2008;28:370.
- Landaw SA, et al. Approach to the diagnosis and therapy of deep vein thrombosis. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed May 12, 2009.
- Grant BJB. Diagnosis of suspected deep vein thrombosis of the lower extremity. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed May 12, 2009.
- Prevention of deep vein thrombosis. Rockville, Md.: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. http://www.guideline.gov/summary/summary.aspx?ss=15&doc_id=9266&nbr=4960. Accessed June 17, 2009.
