The majority of patients trust their doctors to correctly diagnose their medical conditions and provide adequate treatment. Unfortunately, in some cases, medical professionals fail to properly diagnose a medical condition. One medical condition that is often misdiagnosed is deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a condition that occurs when a blood clot forms within a deep vein of the arms, pelvis, or legs. Sometimes these clots move through the bloodstream and become lodged in an artery in the lung, blocking the blood flow in what is known as a pulmonary embolism. Certain individuals are at greater risk of suffering from a DVT including people who are obese, smokers, patients who have had recent surgery, advanced age, kidney problems, pregnancy, or those who are immobile for a long period. If your doctor failed to diagnose or treat your deep vein thrombosis, you should discuss your situation with the experienced Syracuse medical malpractice attorneys of DeFrancisco & Falgiatano.
Internal blood clots can form for many different reasons. In addition to the above referred potential risks, a genetic autoimmune disorder called an antiphospholipid syndrome, or sticky blood, causes the body to attack otherwise beneficial or benign proteins in the body, causing blood clots to form. Regardless of the cause of the clot, it can be potentially dangerous. If a clot travels to the heart or lungs, it can cause breathing problems or even a heart attack. If it travels to the brain, it can cause a stroke. Particularly dangerous blood clots can be treated quickly with surgery, but a doctor must catch the clot in time.
Tests used to diagnose or rule out DVT include: