DVT

Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) is the third most common cardiovascular disease, after myocardial infarction and stroke. 90% of DVTs occur in the lower extremities, and may extend proximally. Risk factors include age, trauma, obesity, previous venous thrombosis, varicosities, prolonged immobilization, malignancy, use of oral contraceptive pills, and hypercoagulable states. After a DVT has occurred, there is often permanent vein and valve damage, resulting in post-thrombotic syndrome, with chronic edema, skin pigmentation, venous claudication, and venous stasis ulcers in the extremities. Patients may be imaged for evaluation of both acute and chronic symptoms.