Abstract
Upper extremity deep vein thrombosis (UEDVT) is responsible for 4 to 10% of all deep
vein thrombosis (DVT). Untreated UEDVT can lead to significant disability secondary
to the postthrombotic syndrome. To date, there are no randomized trials specifically
comparing different therapeutic strategies. Ultimately, optimal management of UEDVT
depends on the underlying etiology, patient symptoms, and degree of thrombosis, with
supporting evidence primarily extrapolated from lower extremity DVT data. This article
will review the classification, presentation, and diagnosis of both primary and secondary
UEDVT. In addition, it will discuss updates in clinical guidelines, anticoagulation,
endovascular and surgical treatment strategies.
Keywords
upper extremity deep vein thrombosis - postthrombotic syndrome - endovenous catheter-directed
therapy - venous thoracic outlet syndrome