What is the worst complication of deep venous thrombosis?

What is the worst complication of deep venous thrombosis?

• A. Stroke
• B. Myocardial infarction
• C. Pulmonary embolism
• D. Renal failure

Answer: (C)

When a deep venous thrombosis forms in the leg, the clot can break free and travel through the venous system to the lungs, where it lodges in the pulmonary arteries. This blocks blood flow to portions of the lung, causing acute hypoxemia and strain on the right side of the heart; a large pulmonary embolism can lead to rapid deterioration and death. That is why pulmonary embolism is the worst complication of DVT—the immediate threat to life. Stroke and myocardial infarction are arterial events driven by different processes (atherosclerosis or emboli from the heart or carotids) and are not the direct progression of a leg DVT. Renal failure is not a typical consequence of DVT itself, unless followed by severe systemic insult, which is less characteristic. The defining danger here is the potential for a massive pulmonary embolism.

When a deep venous thrombosis forms in the leg, the clot can break free and travel through the venous system to the lungs, where it lodges in the pulmonary arteries. This blocks blood flow to portions of the lung, causing acute hypoxemia and strain on the right side of the heart; a large pulmonary embolism can lead to rapid deterioration and death. That is why pulmonary embolism is the worst complication of DVT—the immediate threat to life.

Stroke and myocardial infarction are arterial events driven by different processes (atherosclerosis or emboli from the heart or carotids) and are not the direct progression of a leg DVT. Renal failure is not a typical consequence of DVT itself, unless followed by severe systemic insult, which is less characteristic. The defining danger here is the potential for a massive pulmonary embolism.