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Krishnakant Prasad: A Dangerous Blood Clot That Can Lead to Pulmonary Embolism
May 9, 2026, 10:25

Krishnakant Prasad: A Dangerous Blood Clot That Can Lead to Pulmonary Embolism

Krishnakant Prasad, Associate Professor of Mathematics at Delhi Skill and Entrepreneurship University, shared a post on LinkedIn:

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT):

Formation of a blood clot in a deep vein, usually in the leg or pelvis.

It is dangerous because part of the clot can break off and cause pulmonary embolism (PE).

Common Sites:

  • Most often affects the calf, popliteal, femoral, or pelvic veins
  • Less commonly can involve the upper extremity

Major Risk Factors:

  • Immobility or prolonged bed rest
  • Recent surgery, trauma, or hospitalization
  • Cancer
  • Pregnancy/postpartum, estrogen therapy, OCP use
  • Prior DVT/PE or inherited/acquired thrombophilia

Pathophysiology:

  • Classically related to Virchow triad
  • Venous stasis
  • Endothelial injury
  • Hypercoagulability

Clinical Features:

  • Unilateral leg swelling
  • Leg pain or tenderness, often calf pain
  • Warmth and erythema of the affected limb
  • May have a feeling of heaviness or tightness
  • Some patients are asymptomatic

Important Exam Clues:

  • Usually one leg is more swollen than the other
  • Calf tenderness may be present
  • Clinical diagnosis alone is unreliable because signs are nonspecific

Complications:

  • Pulmonary embolism is the most important acute complication
  • Long-term complication: post-thrombotic syndrome with chronic pain, swelling, skin changes, or venous insufficiency
  • Recurrent DVT can occur

Diagnosis:

  • Duplex compression ultrasonography is the main test
  • D-dimer may help rule out DVT in selected low-risk patients
  • Clinical probability tools are often used before testing

Management:

  • Anticoagulation is the main treatment
  • Goal is to prevent clot extension and PE
  • Some selected severe cases may need thrombolysis, thrombectomy, or filter placement
  • Early mobility is generally allowed once treated

High-Yield Points:

  • DVT is unilateral leg swelling plus pain plus warmth
  • Biggest danger is pulmonary embolism
  • Think of Virchow triad
  • Ultrasound is the key diagnostic test
  • Anticoagulation is the standard treatment

Medical disclaimer:

This note is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.”

Krishnakant Prasad

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