Discuss the risks and symptoms of a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and potential complications from DVT. What tests would you order to rule out DVT?

Answer

Risks and Symptoms of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), Potential Complications from DVT and Tests I Would Order to Rule Out DVT

     Deep Vein Thrombosis, (DVT) occurs when a blood clot (thrombus) develops in the deep veins, commonly in legs. It is characterized by pain in the affected area, swelling, numbness, redness and engorged superficial veins (Reitsma PH, 2012). In some instances, the clot breaks free, and consequently moves through the patient’s bloodstream to other body parts. Cases have been reported where the clot cuts off blood flow to the lungs. This is known as pulmonary embolism. (Wong P, BaglinT,2012). DVT is not easily detected, its therefore important to know what puts you at risk so that you avoid getting it.

        Various risk factors lead to DVT. The Centre for Disease Control estimates that 33% of patients with DVT will most likely experience a recurrence within 10years.Recurrence of DVT is more common in patients with risk factors. There are acquired risk factors, mixed risk factors and inherited risk factors. Chemotherapy, HIV, Intravenous drug use, leg trauma and injury, postpartum period, different types of cancers like brain cancer, ovarian cancer, pancreatic cancer and cancer of the bones., older age, immobility and inactivity form part of the acquired risks. Antithrombin deficiency, protein C deficiency, Non-O blood type and Protein S deficiency form part of the inherited risk aspects. Mixed risk factors include high factor IX and XI levels, high fibrinogen levels and low free protein S just to mention a few (Woo & Wynne, 2012).

        As earlier indicated, it is not easy to detect DVT. However, there are common signs that point towards DVT. According to Scarvelis (2006), it is key to note that signs and symptoms alone are not sufficient to make accurate analysis of DVT, but when combined with risk factors as discussed above, the accuracy of the diagnosis goes up. Some major symptoms of DVT include distended surface veins, pain and tenderness, redness or some sort of discoloration, warmth and discomfort.

      When left unattended to, the most common complication of proximal DVT is post-thrombotic Syndrome which occurs when there is a reduction in the flow of venous blood returning to the heart (Wong,2012). This is indicated by pain, edema, tingling or pricking sensation and in very severe cases leg ulcers. If a Pulmonary Embolism(PE) occurs, there can be fatalities. About 25%   who have PE die, this is according to center for disease control statistics.PE is considered as a fatal complication of DVT, and the danger is higher when there are blood blobs in the thigh and pelvis.

         Diagnosis can be done through D-dimer measurements, Ultrasound, MRI and CT SCAN. Compression ultrasonography also known as ultrasound is majorly used for evaluating suspected DVT because it is considered safe and non-invasive. CT scans is an alternative but it is invasive, painful and expensive. However, it can detect both distal and proximal DVT. MRI is noninvasive but takes much longer time and access to the equipment is a challenge to many. D-dimer test is effective in ruling out DVT in cases of negative ultra-sound test.

        Early diagnosis, timely treatment, making lifestyle changes like losing weight, stopping to smoke, exercising and avoiding sitting still for long hours are some of the few measures that can help avoid fatalities with DVT. With continued medical research on the rise, the future holds more sophisticated ways of dealing with DVT.