Question

A 45 year old lady with acute ileofemoral DVT:
Mention treatment options for acute ileofemoral DVT.

Hint:

Early anticoagulation therapy is essential in preventing complications such as pulmonary embolism and long-term complications like post-thrombotic syndrome.

Answer 1

For a 45-year-old lady with acute ileofemoral deep vein thrombosis (DVT), the following treatment options are available:
Step 1: Anticoagulation Therapy:
Initial treatment includes anticoagulation to prevent further clot formation and reduce the risk of pulmonary embolism. This may involve:
- Heparin (IV or subcutaneous): To prevent clot extension.
- Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs): Such as rivaroxaban or apixaban, as alternatives for long-term therapy.

Step 2: Thrombolysis:
For patients with significant symptoms or extensive thrombus burden, thrombolytic therapy may be considered to break down the clot and restore normal blood flow. Medications like alteplase are often used in catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT).
Step 3: Compression Therapy:
Graduated compression stockings can be used to reduce swelling, prevent post-thrombotic syndrome, and improve venous return.