Deep vein thrombosis of the lower limbs in injection drug users: case series

Abstract

Background Venous thromboembolism is the third most common cardiovascular disease and is associated with a high risk of death or disability. One group of patients at a particular risk of developing this disease are injection drug users. Case presentation A series of five cases of patients addicted to narcotic drugs, hospitalized at the Department of Angiology due to venous thromboembolism has been presented. The main risk factor was a venous or subcutaneous tissue injection of drugs. These cases reveal a complex clinical picture of venous thrombosis, difficulties in selecting and monitoring anticoagulant therapy, coexisting infections, as well as economic and psychosocial aspects. Conclusions Addiction to drugs administered by injection is a risk factor for venous thromboembolism, the clinical picture is complex and treatment is a major challenge for vascular medicine and drug addiction therapy. Education and preventive measures within the communities of drug addicts could be the most important actions aimed at reducing the incidence of deep vein thrombosis.