Misdiagnosis of DVT|VTE and Delay in Diagnosis of DVT|VTE

"Each year over 25,000 people in England die from venous thromboembolism (VTE) contracted in hospital. This is more than the combined total of deaths from breast cancer, AIDS and traffic accidents, and more than twenty-five times the number who die from MRSA. The figures are alarmingly high. Even more alarming is the fact that many of these deaths are preventable. There is a safe, efficacious and cost effective method of preventing venous thrombosis which is not being as widely administered as it should be."
Select Committee on Health, Second Report 23/2/2005

Reading these figures it is not surprising that the clinical negligence team at Bond Pearce see a number of cases involving a misdiagnosis of DVT. Our cases usually involve either a DVT following surgery or a delay in diagnosis and then incorrect treatment as with Jeanette and David's story.

What is venous thromboembolism?

Venous thrombosis is a condition in which a blood clot (thrombus) forms in a vein. Blood flow through the affected vein can be limited by the clot, causing swelling and pain. Venous thrombosis most commonly occurs in the "deep veins" in the legs, thighs, or pelvis. This is known as a Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT). An embolism is created if a part or all of the blood clot in the deep vein breaks off from the site where it is created and travels through the venous system. Venous thrombosis can form in any part of the venous system but if the clot lodges in the lung a very serious condition, pulmonary embolism (PE), arises. DVT and PE are the most common forms of venous thrombosis. DVT and PE are known as venous thromboembolism (VTE).

VTE is common and a cause of many deaths in hospitalised patients particularly in patients who have undergone orthopaedic surgery. Until recently thromboembolism was the single biggest killer of pregnant women.