Diagnosing Deep Vein Thrombosis

By Author: Nova AD
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Diagnosing Deep Venous Thrombosis, or DVT for short, is much like diagnosing any common illness, a detailed history, examination, and diagnostic study is undergone. The most common symptom that instigates the possible diagnosis of DVT is noticeable and irregular swelling and pain in a part of the body. Following the identification of the initial symptoms, specific factors that would point out the definite presence of DVT are analyzed. These factors include unilateral swelling of the lower extremities, a history of cancer, a history of previous bouts of DVT, tenderness in the extremities, recent immobilization, cast, or paralysis, or being bedridden after surgery or pregnancy. After these aspects are taken into consideration, technological methods are used to further diagnose DVT and determine the severity of the possible case-at-hand. Ultrasound is a very effective noninvasive test that is very accurate in identifying DVT in the lower and upper extremities. Ultrasound is very safe because it does not emit any sort of radiation, however it cannot accurately identify the presence of blood clots in the central veins, pelvis, abdomen, ...
... or chest.

Once DVT has been diagnosed, either by the conclusion of your doctor or the clear identification by ultrasound, other tests are undergone by the patient in order to ascertain the severity and extent of DVT in certain parts of the body. CT exams and MRIs are used to evaluate the intensity of DVT in the pelvis, chest, and pulmonary artery. The CT exam is especially accurate, so in turn cases of DVT that are easily identified by this exam can be managed much more effectively. The most accurate, yet least commonly used test to diagnose and measure intensity of DVT is Venography. This is a test that involves injection of contrast in a peripheral vein and taking x-rays, meaning it is invasive, unlike the more commonly used ultrasound. A venography test best identifies DVT in the body, and it can even provide an illustration of the DVT the body is suffering from. Its invasive qualities, however, force this test to be very rare and used only for very serious cases.

Upon the final diagnoses of DVT, a patient will commonly be treated with anticoagulation. Basically, the treatment to avoid DVT involves getting your blood flowing again and keeping it flowing at a healthy rate throughout the entire body. The process of anticoagulation should initially consist of IV unfractionated heparin (UH) or subcutaneous (SC) low-molecular weight heparin (LMWH). The patient being required to orally ingest vitamin K regularly carries out long-term treatment. Patients will also be fitted with compression stockings that provide a pressure of about 30 mmHg to the lower extremity veins. These specially made stockings decrease the dwelling and decrease the chance of Postphlebitic syndrome. This procedure is common for patients suffering from DVT. The process is somewhat lengthy because the intention is not only to rid the body of the DVT, but to also prevent DVT from ever occurring again. Even though there are many tests and various ways of diagnosing and treating DVT, the best thing that you can do is make sure you know all the warning signs and get tested as soon as you feel that there may be a potential problem.

See more information about DVT, and another related topic in the following link: pulmonary embolism. If you are at high risk for developing DVT or you already have DVT, you may need to find the best dvt doctor that can help you, visit dvt doctor.