Deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism in an ambulatory chronic stroke patient.

Abstract

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a well-known complication of stroke and frequently develops in acute stroke patients. Immobility in stroke patients increases the risk of DVT and pulmonary embolism (PE). The incidence of DVT in non-ambulatory stroke patients is more frequent than the incidence in ambulatory stroke patients. We report a case of DVT and PE in an ambulatory chronic stroke patient. Initial physical examination showed heat and swelling of hemiplegic leg. The patient was only able to ambulate with the assist of a monocane and a plastic leaf spring orthosis due to ankle dorsiflexor weakness. The patient was treated with anticoagulation and inferior vena cava filter placement. After long-term anticoagulation, follow-up studies revealed satisfactory resolution of DVT and PE. We present a case of DVT and PE which developed during the chronic stage of stroke, 2 years from the onset of stroke, and review the cause of DVT.