DVT’s most commonly occur in the lower extremity and are classified as either proximal or distal. Proximal DVT’s (PDVT) affect the popliteal, femoral, iliac, and other thigh veins while distal DVT’s affect posterior veins below the knee (calf region). The more proximal the DVT is located, the more dangerous it becomes as they are more likely to cause pulmonary embolisms (PE) which are life- threatening. PE’s occur when a thrombus breaks loose from the vein wall and becomes a free floating mass (embolus) in the blood. The embolus travels to the lungs where it becomes lodged and blocks blood flow and gas exchange resulting in a life-threatening situation. In most cases, PDVT does not appear until the patient is seen as an outpatient. It is important to identify patients who are most at risk for developing DVT’s as early intervention is imperative to lessen the risk for severe morbidity and mortality.
References
- Riddle DL, Wells PS. Diagnosis of lower extremity deep vein thrombosis in outpatients. Physical Therapy. 2004 Aug;84(8):729-35.