Long-Term Outcomes of Patients Investigated for Suspected Upper Extremities Deep Venous Thrombosis Irrespective of Imaging Results

Abstract

Background

Outcome data are limited for upper extremity deep venous thrombosis (UEDVT). The outcomes of patients investigated for, but without UEDVT remain uncertain.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of clinical records of adult patients undergoing Doppler ultrasound for potential UEDVT between 1 January 2007 and 31 December 2014 was undertaken. Primary outcome was all-cause mortality. Secondary outcomes were new cancer diagnosis and thromboembolic recurrence.

Results

The final cohort (n = 528) comprised 25 primary UEDVT, 100 secondary UEDVT, 40 superficial-venous thrombosis and 363 without thrombus patients. There were 207 deaths. Survival was higher in primary than in secondary UEDVT (log-rank p < 0.0001) or those without thrombus (log-rank p = 0.001). Pre-existing cancer [hazard ratio 3.6 (95% confidence interval 1.5-8.9)] was the biggest independent predictor of mortality and leading cause of death. Developing UEDVT was a poor prognostic marker in cancer patients.

Conclusion

There was high early mortality regardless of radiological findings, with the exception of primary UEDVT. Prospective studies evaluating aggressive treatment of underlying comorbidities in these patients are needed.