Deep Vein Thrombosis in the Humeral Vein After Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator Implantation: A Family Physician's Perspective.

Upper extremity deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is an uncommon, under-reported, and difficult-to-diagnose condition. Although the strong provoking risk factors of venous thromboembolism are well described in the literature, the majority of cases are provoked by weak risk factors or are even considered unprovoked. In this case report, we describe a rare case of a brachial DVT in a woman in her 40s following implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) implantation. In her first evaluation, slight left arm edema and brachialgia were noted, and physiotherapy was prescribed. One month later, the patient was reevaluated because her complaints did not resolve, and an upper extremity venous ultrasound was done to exclude complications due to ICD implantation. The ultrasound identified an old DVT, which had been completely recanalized. The patient was then referred to a vascular surgery specialty consultation, which confirmed the diagnosis, and an anticoagulant was prescribed for three months. The symptoms resolved, and the patient did not report any more pain.