Autumn 2017

Spotting signs of DVT

440X400 Kathryn Leask 23 Higher Res
ByDr Kathryn Leask
Published06 September 2017
GPs and hospital doctors can get in trouble for failing to identify the relatively common diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis. Dr Kathryn Leask explains what to look out for.

Not all patients will present with classic symptoms of a DVT, and therefore a doctor's index of suspicion may be low.

It's important to make sure that all relevant signs, symptoms and management advice are documented.

This page was correct at publication on 06/09/2017. Any guidance is intended as general guidance for members only. If you are a member and need specific advice relating to your own circumstances, please contact one of our advisers.

Dr Kathryn Leask
Medico-legal adviser BSc (Hons) MBChB (Hons) LLB MA MRCPCH FFFLM RCPathME DMedEth

Kathryn has been a medico-legal adviser with the MDU since 2007 and is a team leader, trainer and mentor in the medical advisory department. Before joining the MDU, she worked in paediatrics gaining her MRCPCH in 2002 and holds a CCT in clinical genetics. She has an MA in Healthcare Ethics and Law, a Bachelor of Law and a Professional Doctorate in Medical Ethics. She is also a fellow of the Faculty of Forensic and Legal Medicine and has previously been an examiner and deputy chief examiner for the faculty. Kathryn is currently a member of the faculty’s training and education subcommittee and a member of the Royal College of Pathologists (medical examiner).

Spotting signs of DVT