Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot that forms in a deep vein, usually in the legs or pelvis, though it can occur in the arms. Symptoms may include pain, swelling, redness, and enlarged veins in the affected area. However, DVT can also be asymptomatic. DVT is a type of venous thrombosis.
In 1950, the framework of hypercoagulability, stasis, and endothelial injury, identified by Rudolf Virchow, was termed Virchow's Triad.
In 1962, subcutaneous injections of LDUH (Low-Dose Unfractionated Heparin) were introduced as a pharmacological therapy for DVT.
In 1974, vascular inflammation and venous thrombosis were first proposed to be interrelated.
In 1982, subcutaneous injections of LMWH (Low-Molecular-Weight Heparin) were introduced as a pharmacological therapy for DVT.
In 1986, utility of probe compression was demonstrated, ultrasound became the preferred diagnostic method for DVT.
In 1998, Hillary Clinton was first diagnosed with DVT while serving as First Lady.
In 2009, Hillary Clinton was diagnosed with recurrent DVT.
In 2011, tennis star Serena Williams was hospitalized for PE thought to have originated from DVT.
In 2011, the estimated cost of initial VTE hospitalization in Europe was approximately €2000 to 4000.
In 2012, NICE recommended that catheter-directed thrombolysis should be considered for iliofemoral DVT patients with symptoms lasting less than 14 days, good functional status, a life expectancy of 1 year or more, and a low risk of bleeding.
In 2015, the estimated initial cost of DVT hospitalization for a US patient was approximately $10,000.
In 2017, Serena Williams, due to her knowledge of DVT and PE, accurately advocated for herself to have a PE diagnosed and treated after experiencing symptoms post C-section.
A 2018 study associated IVC filter placement with a 50% reduction in PE, a 70% increase in DVT, and an 18% increase in 30-day mortality when compared to no IVC placement.
In 2018, the American Society of Hematology suggested preventive measures for pregnancy-related VTE.
In their updated 2018 clinical practice guidelines, the American Society of Hematology identified 29 separate research priorities, most of which related to patients who are acutely or critically ill.
A 2019 study published in Nature Genetics reported more than doubling the known genetic loci associated with VTE.
In 2019, The European Society of Cardiology urged for the abandonment of the provoked/unprovoked DVT dichotomy in order to encourage more personalized risk assessments for recurrent VTE.
In 2020, NICE maintained their 2012 recommendations that catheter-directed thrombolysis should be considered for iliofemoral DVT patients with symptoms lasting less than 14 days, good functional status, a life expectancy of 1 year or more, and a low risk of bleeding.
In 2020, a NICE review found "little good evidence" for the use of IVC filters in treating DVT.