DEEP VENOUS THROMBOSIS OF THE UPPER EXTREMITY

Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) of the upper extremity is a relatively un common but important cause of morbidity, especially in young active pe rsons. The causes of upper extremity DVT may be categorized as cathete r-related, spontaneous (effort-related) and miscellaneous (e.g., traum a, intravenous drug use). Diagnosis is based on clinical history and c onfirmed by either duplex ultrasonography or contrast venography. Sign ificant controversy surrounds the optimal management of upper extremit y DVT Treatment options include conservative therapy, anticoagulation, catheter-directed thrombolysis and surgical intervention to remove in travascular clot or revise the anatomy of the costoclavicular space. E arly aggressive treatment of active young patients may decrease long-t erm morbidity.