Management of deep vein thrombosis in the emergency department

Emerg Med Pract. 2020 Oct;22(10):1-24. Epub 2020 Oct 1.

Abstract

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can present with a variety of nonspecific signs and symptoms, and can involve the upper or lower extremities. Management of patients with DVT has changed markedly over the last 10 years, moving from hospital admission for initiation of anticoagulation to outpatient management. Diagnosis requires a risk stratification process involving clinical decision rules, D-dimer testing, and ultrasonography. Once the diagnosis is confirmed, the patient should be engaged in shared decision-making regarding treatment options. Recurrent DVT, as well as managing DVT in pregnant women, the elderly population, and patients with malignancies are also discussed.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Video-Audio Media

MeSH terms

  • Anticoagulants / therapeutic use
  • Biomarkers / metabolism
  • Compression Bandages
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Diagnostic Imaging
  • Emergency Service, Hospital*
  • Evidence-Based Emergency Medicine
  • Fibrin Fibrinogen Degradation Products / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Risk Factors
  • Vena Cava Filters
  • Venous Thrombosis / diagnosis*
  • Venous Thrombosis / therapy*

Substances

  • Anticoagulants
  • Biomarkers
  • Fibrin Fibrinogen Degradation Products
  • fibrin fragment D