Deep vein thrombosis classification scheme

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] Ujjwal Rastogi, MBBS [3]; Kashish Goel, M.D.; Assistant Editor(s)-In-Chief: Justine Cadet

Deep Vein Thrombosis Microchapters
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Overview
Classification
Pathophysiology
Causes
Differentiating Deep vein thrombosis from other Diseases
Epidemiology and Demographics
Risk Factors
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Natural History, Complications and Prognosis
Diagnosis
Diagnostic Approach
Assessment of Clinical Probability and Risk Scores
Assessment of Probability of Subsequent VTE and Risk Scores
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Overview

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is classified based on the site of occlusion or clot formation. Symptom presentation and complication is largely influenced by location of the embolus.

Classification based on site of thrombus formation

• Upper extremity DVT: DVT of the upper limbs.
• Lower extremity DVT: DVT of the lower limbs, which is subdivided into two categories:
  • Proximal vein thrombosis.
  • Distal (calf) vein thrombosis.

Proximal vein thrombosis

Proximal vein thrombosis involves the proximal veins like popliteal, femoral, or iliac vein. Proximal vein thrombosis is responsible for more than ninety percent of acute Pulmonary embolism and thus higher mortality. Clinically, proximal vein thrombosis is of greater importance as it is more commonly associated with serious, chronic diseases like:

• Active cancer.
• Congestive heart failure.
• Old age (greater than 75 years).
• Respiratory insufficiency.

Distal vein thrombosis

Distal vein thrombosis is confined to the deep calf veins. It is often associated with transient risk factors like travel, prolonged immobilization and recent surgery.