Merry Jo G. Ibarra
Abstract
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a life-threatening condition wherein a blood clot develops within a deep vein in the body, usually in the lower extremity. DVT in pregnancy is not common. But pregnant women, at any stage of pregnancy up to six to twelve weeks after birth are five times more likely to develop DVT because pregnancy is a prothrombotic state. The diagnosis of DVT is challenging because signs and symptoms are non-specific. It commonly presents with swelling or edema of the lower extremity, which is also present in a normal pregnancy. Venous compression ultrasonography is the test of choice to diagnose DVT. Once diagnosed, therapeutic anticoagulation should be initiated to prevent its fatal and chronically debilitating complications. Anticoagulation with low molecular weight heparin is the preferred treatment for pregnant women. This paper presents a case of DVT in a pregnant patient diagnosed with primary lymphedema.