An Experience of Axillary-Subclavian Vein Thrombosis after Left Subclavian Vein Catheterization in Polycythemia Vera

ABSTRACT

Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) of the upper extremity has been recently been recognized as being more common than previously reported (probably because of the increasingly frequent use of subclavian venous access). Since the initial descriptions of axillary-subclavian vein thrombosis more than 100 years ago, studies cites a 1.3% to 2.1% incidence of all DVT that occurs in the axillary or subclavian veins. Axillary-subclavian vein thrombosis is commonly associated with significant morbidity. The most serious aspect of morbidity and mortality is pulmonary embolization. Venography or digital subtraction studies are most reliable in allowing detection of thrombosis and Duplex imaging of vein is useful in following the course and assessing the effect of treatment. Early diagnosis and initiation of treatment before thrombus organization are important for successful outcome. Polycythemia vera are at an especially high risk for both thrombotic and hemorrhghic events and postoperative complications. We report a case of axillary-subclavian vein thrombosis after left subclavian vein catheterization in polycythemia vera.