Healthcare Science Section Lead in Haematology and Haemostasis Michelle Bolam presents a case study in which a two-year-old presented with an unprovoked extensive deep vein thrombosis.

A previously healthy two-year-old male presented at accident and emergency (A&E) with a right leg swelling. Ultrasound showed thrombus extending from common femoral to external iliac vein on right side. A child presenting with an unprovoked extensive deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is very unusual, with the reported incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in paediatrics approximately 0.07 to 0.14 per 10,000 children per annum. Most VTEs in paediatrics occur when in the setting of a provoking risk factor, for example a hospitalised child with a central venous catheter (CVC). It is very rare for a healthy child to present with a spontaneous thrombosis.
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