Primary upper extremity DVT

 Q: Primary upper extremity deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is more common in? (select one) 

A) Younger people 

B) Older people 

 

Answer: A 

Primary upper extremity DVT is more common in younger people, including children and adolescents. Also, it is high in athletic muscular males. This is due to the high prevalence of strenuous exercise, sports, and overt or covert trauma due to repetitive extremities hyperabduction. 

Other contributing factors are congenital or acquired anatomical abnormalities of the thoracic outlet and hematologic disorder such as thrombophilia.

#vascular

#hematology

References:

1. Engelberger RP, Kucher N. Management of deep vein thrombosis of the upper extremity. Circulation 2012; 126:768. 

2. Kucher N. Clinical practice. Deep-vein thrombosis of the upper extremities. N Engl J Med 2011; 364:861. 

3. Hendler MF, Meschengieser SS, Blanco AN, et al. Primary upper-extremity deep vein thrombosis: high prevalence of thrombophilic defects. Am J Hematol 2004; 76:330. 

4. Martinelli I, Battaglioli T, Bucciarelli P, et al. Risk factors and recurrence rate of primary deep vein thrombosis of the upper extremities. Circulation 2004; 110:566.