Deep vein thrombosis differential diagnosis

Resident Survival Guide

Editor(s)-In-Chief: The APEX Trial Investigators, C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-In-Chief: Cafer Zorkun, M.D., Ph.D. [2] Kashish Goel, M.D.; Assistant Editor(s)-In-Chief: Justine Cadet

Deep Vein Thrombosis Microchapters
Home
Patient Information
Overview
Classification
Pathophysiology
Causes
Differentiating Deep vein thrombosis from other Diseases
Epidemiology and Demographics
Risk Factors
Triggers
Screening
Natural History, Complications and Prognosis
Diagnosis
Diagnostic Approach
Assessment of Clinical Probability and Risk Scores
Assessment of Probability of Subsequent VTE and Risk Scores
History and Symptoms
Physical Examination
Laboratory Findings
Ultrasound
Venography
CT
MRI
Other Imaging Findings
Treatment
Treatment Approach
Medical Therapy
IVC Filter
Invasive Therapy
Surgery
Prevention
Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy
Future or Investigational Therapies
Special Scenario
Upper extremity DVT
Recurrence
Pregnancy
Trials
Landmark Trials
Case Studies
Case #1
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Overview

DVT is characterized by pain and swelling of the limb, which are not specific symptoms. There are other conditions that can mimic VTE such as muscle strain or muscle tear, immobilization that led to leg swelling, lymphedema, lymphangitis, chronic venous insufficiency, or cellulitis.

Differentiating Deep Vein Thrombosis from Other Diseases

There are other conditions that can mimic VTE

• Venous
  • Superficial thrombophlebitis
  • Post-thrombotic syndrome
  • Chronic venous insufficiency
  • Venous obstruction

• Other
  • Cellulitis
  • Torn gastrocnemius muscle
  • Fracture
  • Hematoma
  • Acute arterial ischaemia
  • Lymphoedema
  • Hypoproteinemia (for example, cirrhosis, nephrotic syndrome)
  • Muscle tear or leg strain
  • Leg swelling in a paralyzed limb
  • Lymphangitis or lymph obstruction
  • Popliteal/Baker's cyst
  • Cellulitis
  • Knee abnormality