Fatal Blood Clots in Women (DVT): A Near Miss

J was woken up one morning by the tingling sensation and soreness over her right leg. She was shocked to see that the leg was swollen from the hip down to the ankle. The calf was also tender to touch. Her left leg looked normal.

With the help of her husband, she got up from her bed limping. Realizing that something was amiss, they rushed to hospital immediately.

J, a 32-year-old teacher had delivered her first baby normally two weeks ago. There were no complications during her antenatal period and labour. She was discharged well on the 3rd day after delivery.

On examination, her right leg was swollen from the hip downwards with pitting ankle oedema. The skin on the affected leg appeared bluish red and felt slightly warmer compared to that of her left leg. An urgent ultrasound doppler examination revealed a large blood clot in the deep veins of her leg. J was suffering from a potentially life-threatening condition called deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

What is DVT?

DVT is a condition where blood clots are formed in veins located deep inside the body. A blood clot is a clump of blood that has turned into a solid state.

The blood clots typically form in the thigh or lower leg, but they can also develop in other parts of the body. These blood clots can break loose, travel through the bloodstream and get stuck in the lungs, blocking the blood flow. The condition is called pulmonary embolism and requires emergency care as it can be fatal.

What are the symptoms of DVT?

DVT can occur without noticeable symptoms. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) of the USA, symptoms only occur in about 50% of patients.

Common symptoms include:

• Swelling in the affected leg. Rarely, there are swelling in both legs.

• Cramping pain in the affected leg that usually begins in the calf

• A feeling of warmth in the affected leg