In the course of thrombosis, clots form in the lumen of the vessel, which interfere with the normal blood flow. The most common diagnosis is deep vein thrombosis (so-called venous thrombosis) – the essence of the disease is the formation of blood clots in the vessels of the deep vein system, which is located under the deep fascia of the limb.
Why does thrombosis develop?
Thrombosis (DVT, deepvenousthrombosis) affects primarily the deep veins of the lower limbs – it is in them that clots form, which are the direct cause of the disease. Thrombosis has very serious consequences – it can lead to irreversible changes, in some cases it ends in death. In our country, as many as 57 people suffer from DVT. people per year.
Deep vein thrombosis may result in the development of venous thromboembolism, ventricular embolism and pulmonary embolism – the most dangerous (after sudden death) complication of this disease. It is worth getting tested – an indication for preventive examinations is a sedentary lifestyle and/or staying in one immobile body position for a long time. Patients after oncological and orthopedic procedures, pregnant and puerperal women and patients with sepsis are also at risk of developing the disease. In addition, risk factors include obesity, age over 40, multiple trauma, hormone therapy, severe heart failure, respiratory failure, and autoimmune diseases.
How does deep vein thrombosis manifest itself?
Patients with the so-called at-risk groups should learn to recognize the initial symptoms of thrombosis. As soon as symptoms appear, you should immediately consult a doctor. It is worth noting, however, that as much as 75% of of patients with deep vein thrombosis do not feel any symptoms – further proof that regular examinations are invaluable.
A few hours after the embolism, swelling of the “ill” limb develops – first it appears around the ankle, then it also covers other parts of the limb. The second symptom is pain, which eases over time, but may intensify when moving the limb, walking. In addition, the limb with thrombosis is tender and painful – there is a so-called positive Homans sign, i.e. significant pain in the calf and popliteal fossa with dorsiflexion of the foot and straightened knee. Thrombosis is manifested by warming of the skin of the limb and reddening of the affected area. The pain is usually exacerbated by pressure, and the superficial veins may dilate. There is often no palpable pulse in the extremity (distal to the site of the clot).
How to treat thrombosis?
In the acute phase, treatment of deep vein thrombosis includes symptom relief, inhibition of thrombus growth, and prophylaxis of pulmonary embolism. The aim of prolonged treatment is the prevention of postthrombotic syndrome and recurrence of the disease.
In the beginning, it is often recommended to lie down with an elevated limb; in addition, it is recommended to use knee-highs or compression tights (they are also used to prevent the recurrence of the disease). In some cases of thrombosis (especially chronic, recurrent), surgical removal of the thrombus is considered.