Background: We evaluated patients with upper extremity deep vein thrombosis (UEDVT) with respect to risk factors, symptoms and signs, diagnosis, treatment approach, complications, and prognosis.

Methods: The study included 25 patients (13 males, 12 females; mean age 57 years; range 23 to 72 years) with UEDVT. The patients were questioned about risk factors and underlying diseases and were examined with upper extremity venous Doppler ultrasonography. After treatment with lowmolecular- weight heparin followed by warfarin for at least three months, the patients’ responses to treatment were evaluated in the third and 12th months.

Results: Thirteen patients died because of underlying diseases within the first year of follow-up. Mortality due to UEDVT did not occur. The most frequent risk factor was subclavian catheterization (56%). Complete clinical improvement was obtained with medical therapy in all patients except one who underwent axillo-caval bypass. Recurrent thrombosis, pulmonary emboli, postthrombotic syndrome were not seen during one-year follow-up.

Conclusion: The response to medical therapy is good in UEDVT if the underlying causes are treated. Mortality occurs due to underlying diseases.

Keywords : Anticoagulants/therapeutic use; arm/blood supply; catheterization, central venous; venous thrombosis/etiology/therapy