Life-threatening Misdiagnosis of DVT
The Thrombosis Institute of Research estimates that, every year, approximately 500,000 people across Europe die from the complications of blood clots. That is more than 25 times the number of people who die from hospital superbugs such as MRSA.
Why is a blood clot life-threatening?
Deep Vein Thrombosis is a fairly common condition where a blood clot develops in a vein, frequently in the leg, impacting on the quality of blood circulation in that area. If properly diagnosed, you may be given blood-thinning drugs to treat the clot and prevent it returning.
However, if the clot breaks away from its location, it can travel via the heart to the lungs where it can cause a pulmonary embolism, restricting blood flow, causing breathing difficulties and possibly causing death. The NHS estimates that 1 in 10 people will develop pulmonary embolism if their DVT is untreated.
Diagnosing DVT
Deep Vein Thrombosis in the leg usually produces the following symptoms:
- Pain, usually in the calf of one leg
- Tenderness and swelling in the same leg
- Redness and heat in the same area
- Distended veins
It is, however, possible to be suffering DVT without showing these symptoms which would obviously make it extremely difficult to diagnose a problem.
Because DVT is sometimes confused with other conditions, it is important to take any possible risk factors into consideration such as:
- Age – you are at greater risk as you get older
- Immobility for an extended period of time
- Pregnancy
- Taking the contraceptive pill
- Obesity
- Family history of DVT
- Previous hip or knee surgery
The existence of any of these contributing factors in combination with the above symptoms should alert a medical practitioner to the possible presence of a blood clot. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence recommends that an assessment of the patient's medical history be carried out. Furthermore, that a physical examination should be carried out in order to assign a DVT Wells Score, thereby quantifying the likelihood of a DVT diagnosis.
Spending an extended period of time immobile in hospital, either during an illness or following an operation, can be a contributing factor to developing a blood clot. Hospitals should carry out a risk assessment when patients are admitted and monitor for any signs of blood clots. Indeed, it is estimated that approximately 25,000 people die each year in the UK from blood clots that could have been prevented.
Why is DVT sometimes misdiagnosed?
Where symptoms are not clear, Deep Vein Thrombosis may be confused with a range of other conditions such as sciatica, arthritis and muscle strain.
Where the medical practitioner is not aware of or does not ask about the existence of the possible influencing factors mentioned above, a blood clot may not be indicated. An assessment of medical history should be undertaken to assist in clarifying the likelihood of the patient having DVT.
A range of subsequent investigations are recommended by NICE where DVT appears to be present in a patient, such as an ultrasound within 4 hours.
Problems of misdiagnosis
A delay in diagnosis may increase the likelihood of the patient experiencing a pulmonary embolism with the associated possibility of fatality.
It may also increase the possibility of long-term disability such as varicose veins and leg ulcers.
Medical Negligence
If your DVT has caused you on-going problems and you feel it could have been diagnosed and treated more promptly, contact us at Glynns Solicitors to discuss your circumstances and the possibility of a claim for compensation.
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