Vascular CT Appearances
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) CT Findings
- Intraluminal filling defect within a deep vein
- Typically involves multiple venous segments
- Most commonly found in the knee and groin areas
- May or may not have vessel distension
- May have venous wall enhancement
- Calcified thrombi and collateral veins indicate chronic DVT
Other Information About Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
Etiology:
- Trauma, including surgery
- Infection
- Immobilization
- Pregnancy and oral contraceptives
- Obesity
- Cancer and many other diseases increase the risk of DVT
Epidemiology:
- Common
- Typically presents after age 60
Presentation:
- Swelling of the leg
- Leg pain
- Discoloration of the skin
- Warmth of the leg
Prognosis:
- DVT can be managed with medication
- DVT can lead to a Pulmonary Embolism, which is potentially fatal