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
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Causes
Differentiating Deep vein thrombosis from other Diseases
Epidemiology and Demographics
Risk Factors
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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, including the popliteal, femoral or iliac vein. Proximal vein thrombosis is responsible for more than 90 percent of acute pulmonary emboli and is associated with higher mortality. Clinically, proximal vein thrombosis is considered severe, 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.