Deep Vein Thrombosis of the Upper Limb: About 6 Cases Collected in Dakar

Mouhamadou Bamba Ndiaye,Fatou Aw,Simon Antoine Sarr,Alassane Mbaye,Joseph Salvador Mingou,Abdoul Kane,Aliou Alassane Ngaidé,Adama Kane,Marguerite Téning Diouf,Malick Bodiian,Maboury Diao

doi:10.4236/wjcd.2020.102007

Abstract

Deep vein thrombosis of the upper limb is a rare location of venous thromboembolic disease. Data on this form of thrombosis are limited. We report six cases collected in Dakar. The sex ratio was 0.5 and the average age was 27.6 years with extremes of 17 and 39. Painful limb edema was the most constant sign and involved the non-dominant limb in almost all patients. Thrombosis occurred in a field of peripartum cardiomyopathy in two patients and SS sickle cell disease in one patient taking oral contraception. There was neither cancer nor venous catheter in medical history. The diagnosis was made by venous Doppler ultrasound in all patients. Subclavian involvement was the most common. The thrombophilia assessment, done for two patients, was normal. It was about exertion thrombosis on three (3) patients. All the patients had received antivitamin K treatment relaying a low molecular weight heparin. Venous limb compression was associated with anticoagulation for all patients. The treatment duration was six (6) months. There were no reports of pulmonary embolism or death. One patient presented a post-thrombotic syndrome.

Highlights

Deep vein thrombosis of the upper limb is a rare location of venous thromboembolic disease
We report six cases collected in Dakar
In recent thromboembolic disease registers, Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) of the upper limb accounts for approximately 5% - 10% of cases [1] [2]

Summary

Introduction

Their incidence is difficult to estimate with precision. In recent thromboembolic disease registers, DVT of the upper limb accounts for approximately 5% - 10% of cases [1] [2]. The venous Doppler ultrasound allowed the diagnosis to be made for all our patients It specified the location and extent of the thrombosis. In Sub-Saharan Africa, the published cases [3] [4] show that the incidence of upper limb DVT should increase with the wide use of central venous catheters, endocavitary procedures, and the development of means of diagnostic investigation; the interest of a better knowledge of this affection in the black skin subject. We report 6 cases observed at the cardiology clinic of the Dantec University Hospital in Dakar

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Conclusion