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Deep venous thrombosis - Symptom

Alternative Names

DVT; Blood clot in the legs; Thromboembolism; Post-phlebitic syndrome; Post-thrombotic syndrome

Symptoms:

  • Changes in skin color (redness) in one leg
  • Increased warmth in one leg
  • Leg pain in one leg
  • Leg tenderness in one leg
  • Skin that feels warm to the touch
  • Swelling (edema) of one leg

Signs and tests:

Your health care provider will perform a physical exam. The exam may show a red, swollen, or tender leg.

The following tests may be done:

Blood tests may be done to check if there is increased chance of blood clotting (hypercoagulability). Such tests include:

  • Activated protein C resistance (checks for the Factor V Leiden mutation)
  • Antithrombin III levels
  • Antiphospholipid antibodies
  • Genetic testing to look for mutations that make you more likely to develop blood clots, such as the prothrombin G20210A mutation
  • Lupus anticoagulant or
  • Protein C and protein S levels
  • Screening for disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC)

This list is not all-inclusive.

  • Reviewed last on: 2/13/2011
  • David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Geerts WH, Berggvist D, Pineo GF, et al. American College of Chest Physicians. Prevention of venous thromboembolism: American College of Chest Physicians Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guidelines (8th Edition). Chest. 2008;133(6 Suppl):381S-453S.

Snow V, Qaseem A, Barry P, et al. Management of venous thromboembolism: a clinical practice guideline from the American College of Physicians and the American Academy of Family Physicians. Ann Intern Med. 2007;146(3):204-210.

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