Effort phlebitis of the upper limb. Report of 5 cases

Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) of upper limbs is extremely rare. DVT related to physical stress is a less known form. The purpose of this study was to outline the clinical pattern and laborator y features as well as the clinical course and outcome of this disease. The authors report 5 documented cases of upper limb DVT related to physical stress: 4 patients were hand workers and 1 was a young athletic man. None of the patients developed pulmonary embolism. Two patients had late se quelae. Treatment is based on prompt and early anticoagulation. Prevention can be achieved by contention, active physiotherapy and professi onal rehabilitation.