Methods: Forty-five consecutive patients (22 males, 23 females; mean age 59±18 years; range 19 to 83 years) in whom a diagnosis of deep venous thrombosis was made within a year were prospectively evaluated with respect to undiagnosed malignant disease. Evaluations included physical examination, routine laboratory tests, and abdominopelvic ultrasonography.
Results: Undiagnosed malignancy was detected in three patients (6.6%), namely, stomach, bladder, and lung cancers. Eighteen patients and 27 patients had idiopathic and secondary deep venous thrombosis, respectively. Malignant disease was found in two patients (11.1%) in the idiopathic group, and in one patient (3.7%) in the secondary group.
Conclusion: An undiagnosed malignancy may be the underlying cause of deep venous thrombosis, particularly in idiopathic cases. Early diagnosis of a malignant disease would be beneficial to the patients and the healthcare centers.