Deep vein thrombosis, also known as DVT refers to the formation of a thrombus in a deep vein in the leg. A thrombus is a blood clot. Deep vein thrombosis tends to occur in leg veins, such as the popliteal or femoral veins, as well as deep veins within the pelvis.
In some cases, as with Paget-Schrötter disease, they may form in the veins of the arm. If the thrombus breaks off, it is known as an embolus - a piece of blood clot - and can make its way to the lung, resulting in a pulmonary embolism.
Deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism are two parts of the disease known as venous thromboembolism.
Some people may develop DVT and not be aware of it; there will be no symptoms. Commonly, though, the patient will experience pain, swelling, redness, tenderness and warmth in the affected area; superficial veins may swell up too.
Dvt must be treated as a medical emergency. 3% of dvts that develop in the leg eventually kill the patient
