Rare post-pregnancy deep vein thrombosis case treated at private hospital in Gurgaon
Gurgaon: A 30-year-old woman suffering from deep vein thrombosis (DVT) — a serious vascular condition that, if untreated, can lead to life-threatening complications such as pulmonary embolism and cardiac arrest— was treated successfully by a team of doctors at a private hospital in the city.DVT occurs when a blood clot forms in a deep vein, typically in legs, obstructing blood flow. If the clot dislodges and travels to the lungs, it can cause a pulmonary embolism, a medical emergency. Though uncommon, DVT affects around 1 in 1,000 women after childbirth and often presents with subtle symptoms, making timely diagnosis critical.The patient, a first-time mother who had a healthy pregnancy, normal BMI, and smooth delivery at CK Birla Hospital , had to return to it in the first week of April with pain and swelling in her left leg.Recognising these as symptoms of DVT, Dr Deepika Aggarwal, director of obstetrics and gynaecology at the hospital advised a venous doppler ultrasound, which confirmed the presence of a blood clot in the deep veins of the patient's leg.A follow-up CT venogram revealed that the clot had grown into multiple major veins, posing a serious threat. Given the gravity of the condition, the hospital's vascular and interventional radiology teams performed a mechanical thrombectomy—a minimally invasive procedure in which a catheter is used to physically remove clots and restore blood flow.To prevent clots from reaching the lungs in the future, an inferior vena cava (IVC) filter—a small, cage-like device— was placed inside the abdominal vein, acting as a safeguard against pulmonary embolism.Giving details of the case, Dr Aggarwal said, "DVT is a silent yet deadly postpartum complication that can occur even in women with no apparent risk factors. In this instance, clinical vigilance, rapid decision-making, and access to advanced diagnostics and intervention tools were crucial in saving the patient's life. Thanks to timely care, she made a full recovery within 10 days and returned home safely with her baby.""This case underscores the importance of continued postpartum monitoring and highlights why any unusual symptoms should never be ignored," she added.DVT, often referred to as a 'silent killer' due to its subtle and often misinterpreted symptoms, can occur in women who are otherwise healthy, reinforcing the need for heightened awareness during the postpartum period.
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