Abstract

Thrombolysis is increasingly used in academic centres as first line management in patients who present within the first two weeks of the
index event and upper extremity primary deep vein thrombosis (UEDVT). The purpose of this report is to establish whether this approach is
evidence based. A review of the recent literature showed that thrombolysis should be offered to a small number of young and active patients
with severe acute symptoms, who are very concerned about developing post-thrombotic syndrome. The majority of the patients can still
be treated with anticoagulation alone as there is only limited evidence on the merits of thrombolysis for the initial management of patients
with UEDVT.

Key words: Primary upper extremity deep vein thrombosis, thrombolysis