Deep vein thrombosis is the formation of blood clots (thrombi) in the deep veins, usually in the legs.
Blood clots may form in veins if the vein is injured, a disorder causes the blood to clot, or something slows the return of blood to the heart.
Blood clots may cause the leg or arm to swell.
A blood clot can break loose and travel to the lungs, which is called a pulmonary embolism.
Doppler ultrasonography and blood tests are used to detect deep vein thrombosis.
Anticoagulants are given to prevent clot enlargement and prevent pulmonary embolism.
There are two main types of veins, superficial and deep. Superficial veins are located in the fatty layer under the skin. Deep veins are located in the muscles and along the bones. (See also Overview of the Venous System.)
Blood clots (thrombi) can occur in the deep veins, called deep vein thrombosis, or in the superficial veins called superficial venous thrombosis. The superficial veins are usually also inflamed but without clotting (thrombosis), the combination of clotting and inflammation is referred to as superficial thrombophlebitis.
Venous thromboembolism (VTE) refers to a blood clot that starts in a vein and then breaks free into the bloodstream, usually traveling to the lungs (pulmonary embolism). Because almost any clot (thrombus) can break loose and become an embolism, doctors sometimes refer to deep vein thrombosis as thromboembolic disease.
Deep vein thrombosis occurs most often in the legs or pelvis but may also occasionally develop in the arms.
