Clinical features
Symptoms can be intermittent, or can develop during a period of up to one week, and patients typically present with an acutely swollen, heavy and aching arm.
On examination, the hand, forearm and arm are swollen with with a bluish tinge and tenderness over the axillary vein. The veins on the back of the hand do not collapse when the hand is raised above the level of the heart but there may be visible veins across the chest and upper extremity (Urschel’s sign).
Sensation is normal, and symptoms gradually subside as a collateral venous circulation develops, usually over 2-3 months.
Reference
- Heil J, Miesbach W, Vogl T, et al; Deep Vein Thrombosis of the Upper Extremity. Dtsch Arztebl Int. 2017 Apr 7;114(14):244-249.
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