Deep vein thrombosis differential diagnosis
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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
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Overview
Deep vein thrombosis DVT is characterized by pain and swelling of the limb, which are not specific symptoms. There are other conditions that can mimic DVT such as muscle strain or muscle tear, immobilization that led to leg swelling, lymphedema, lymphangitis, chronic venous insufficiency, or cellulitis.
Differential Diagnosis
Superficial Versus Deep Vein Thrombosis
- A palpable thrombus formation is classified as a superficial venous thrombus. Clots forming in the lower leg and thigh vasculature (lesser and greater saphenous veins, respectively) or the forearm and upper arm vasculature (radial, ulnar, cephalic and basilic vein, respectively) are also superficial.
- Thrombus formation in the brachiocephalic veins, the internal jugular and the superior vena cava are classified as deep.
Complete List of Differential Diagnosis
Shown below is a list of conditions that can mimic DVT.
- 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