In this episode, we explore upper extremity deep vein thrombosis (UEDVT), a less common type of thrombosis characterized by blood clots forming in the deep veins of the arms, shoulders, or neck. Despite being less prevalent than lower extremity DVT, UEDVT presents notable health risks and warrants significant attention.

Etiology and Epidemiology

UEDVT can arise from various factors. A common cause is the use of medical devices such as central venous catheters, pacemakers, or defibrillators, which can irritate or damage vein walls. Cancer and its treatments, particularly chemotherapy, can also elevate the risk. Additionally, repetitive arm movements, often seen in athletes, can result in Paget-Schroetter syndrome, a relatively rare type of UEDVT also known as “effort thrombosis”.
Nowadays, UEDVT accounts for 5% to 10% of all DVT cases, with incidence rates increasing annually. Most patients with UEDVT have a central line, with an incidence rate between 14% and 23%. Pulmonary embolism (PE) occurs in up to 6% of the cases.









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