Diagnostic Algorithm in Suspected Upper Extremity Deep Vein Thrombosis

Overview

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) of the arm, officially called upper extremity DVT is a rare disorder and accounts for up to 1-4% of all cases of deep vein thrombosis. In case of a thrombosis, there is a blood clot in one of the veins, which should be treated with blood thinners (anticoagulants). The aim of the present study is to see whether it is safe to use a combination of tests for the diagnosis of arm thrombosis. In all patients, we will use a clinical decision rule (clinical judgement) and a laboratory test (D-dimer testing), in most patients also an ultrasound of the arm will be done. The combination of these tests was found to be safe and effective in patients with thrombosis of the legs.

Consecutive patients with clinically suspected upper extremity deep vein thrombosis (UEDVT) are potentially eligible for the study. Patients will be categorized as likely or unlikely to have UEDVT based on a clinical decision rule (CDR). Patients "unlikely" for UEDVT based on the CDR and with normal D-dimer levels will not receive anticoagulant treatment and will be followed-up for 3 months. All patients with a likely CDR or patients with an unlikely CDR combined with elevated D-dimer levels will undergo ultrasonography. In case of an indeterminate ultrasonography result, ultrasonography testing will be repeated 3-5 days later. The same applies for patients with a negative ultrasound and the combination of a high probability and elevated D-dimer levels. Anticoagulants will be withheld in all patients for whom UEDVT will be excluded by the initial diagnostic work-up.

Conditions