Deep venous thrombosis of the upper limbs

Deep venous thrombosis of the upper limbs is rare and represents less than 2-3% of all cases of deep venous thrombosis. Reviewing our series of 25 patients we decided that follow-up and symptomatic treatment produce acceptable results, since the disease has a benign natural history. Fibrinolytic agents administered under strict limitations (The Consensus Conference 1980, Ann Int Med) are efficient in early cases, but its ability to change the natural course of the disease has not been proved. Surgical approach should be reserved for cases with secondary ischaemia and/or a resectable extraluminal mass.