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

PURPOSE: 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.

METHOD: 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.

RESULTS

After long-term anticoagulation, follow-up studies revealed satisfactory resolution of DVT and PE.

CONCLUSIONS

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.