Is a blood clot in a gastronemius vein considered a DVT? Is it serious?

Should I be concerned about a blood clot in my gastronemius vein? Is this considered a deep vein thrombosis? Is this something I should be worried about? What should be done about it?

Answers from doctors (9)


Vein Treatment Clinic

Published on Mar 05, 2018

Blood clot or thrombus in the gastrocnemius vein is considered a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and a doctor should follow up on you and do Venous Duplex ultrasound studies to make sure clot does not extend to the popliteal vein or further. Depending on how acute the blood clot is, anticoagulation therapy might be given as well to help your body deal with clot formation. The risk of not properly taking care of a situation like this could put you at risk of a serious or fatal complication like pulmonary embolism. I recommend you see a doctor to follow up and help you with your care for the current situation.
All the best!

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/8534_1510077584.jpg
Answered by Vein Treatment Clinic

Blood clot or thrombus in the gastrocnemius vein is considered a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and a doctor should follow up on you and do Venous Duplex ultrasound studies to make sure clot does not extend to the popliteal vein or further. Depending on how acute the blood clot is, anticoagulation therapy might be given as well to help your body deal with clot formation. The risk of not properly taking care of a situation like this could put you at risk of a serious or fatal complication like pulmonary embolism. I recommend you see a doctor to follow up and help you with your care for the current situation.
All the best!

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Lafayette Regional Vein & Laser Center

Published on Aug 15, 2014

Calf vein thromboses are considered deep vein clots.

The current management involves compression, ambulation, aspirin, and a repeat ultrasound within two weeks if provoked, e.g. trigger by surgery, prolonged immobilization, etc. If unprovoked, calf vein blood clots can extent to involve larger veins and lead to a life threatening condition known as pulmonary embolus. Unprovoked clots are often treated with anticoagulants and in many instances for the same duration or until an underlying cause is stabilized.

I would recommend seeing a vein specialist who is familiar with current guidelines for managing blood clots. Sadly, the majority of primary care physicians are not aware of the current guidelines so a vein specialist is strongly recommended.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/824_1499970480.jpg
Answered by Lafayette Regional Vein & Laser Center

Calf vein thromboses are considered deep vein clots.

The current management involves compression, ambulation, aspirin, and a repeat ultrasound within two weeks if provoked, e.g. trigger by surgery, prolonged immobilization, etc. If unprovoked, calf vein blood clots can extent to involve larger veins and lead to a life threatening condition known as pulmonary embolus. Unprovoked clots are often treated with anticoagulants and in many instances for the same duration or until an underlying cause is stabilized.

I would recommend seeing a vein specialist who is familiar with current guidelines for managing blood clots. Sadly, the majority of primary care physicians are not aware of the current guidelines so a vein specialist is strongly recommended.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Lakeshore Veins and Wellness

Published on Aug 05, 2014

The gastrocnemius vein is considered a deep muscular vein of the calf. The treatment (no treatment, anti-coagulation, follow up) of gastrocnemius vein thrombus is debated by physicians and often the decision to treat is based on clinical history, findings and physician judgement. Gastrocnemius vein thrombus has a low incidence of progressing to DVT (deep venous thrombosis) in the popliteal vein which is universally treated with anticoagulation. Many physicians will perform a follow up ultrasound of the lower extremity to ensure the thrombus has not progressed. We recommend you follow closely with your physician.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/1589_1417541087.jpg
Answered by Lakeshore Veins and Wellness

The gastrocnemius vein is considered a deep muscular vein of the calf. The treatment (no treatment, anti-coagulation, follow up) of gastrocnemius vein thrombus is debated by physicians and often the decision to treat is based on clinical history, findings and physician judgement. Gastrocnemius vein thrombus has a low incidence of progressing to DVT (deep venous thrombosis) in the popliteal vein which is universally treated with anticoagulation. Many physicians will perform a follow up ultrasound of the lower extremity to ensure the thrombus has not progressed. We recommend you follow closely with your physician.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Published on Jul 28, 2014

Yes, it is serious and you should receive urgent treatment. Anticoagulation and compression therapy are standard.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/623_1499902138.jpg
Answered by Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Yes, it is serious and you should receive urgent treatment. Anticoagulation and compression therapy are standard.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


The Sheen Vein Institute

Published on Jul 28, 2014

The gastrocnemius vein is considered a "deep vein:" therefore, the presence of a blood clot in this vessel is technically considered a deep vein thrombosis or DVT. That said, if you were to have a DVT, this is one of the vessels that you would want to find it in. The gastrocnemius vein is considered a small deep vein as opposed to the common femoral vein, which is definitely one of your larger deep veins. Unlike in the case of the common femoral or some other larger deep vein, most physicians would elect not to treat a DVT in the gastrocnemius vein unless there is progression of the blood clot into the popliteal vein, which the gastrocnemius normally empties into. Fortunately, most blood clots in the gastrocnemius appear to resolve spontaneously and do not normally require anticoagulation treatment. Close monitoring, however, is warranted until the clot can be shown to have stabilized.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/1116_1499984661.jpg
Answered by The Sheen Vein Institute

The gastrocnemius vein is considered a "deep vein:" therefore, the presence of a blood clot in this vessel is technically considered a deep vein thrombosis or DVT. That said, if you were to have a DVT, this is one of the vessels that you would want to find it in. The gastrocnemius vein is considered a small deep vein as opposed to the common femoral vein, which is definitely one of your larger deep veins. Unlike in the case of the common femoral or some other larger deep vein, most physicians would elect not to treat a DVT in the gastrocnemius vein unless there is progression of the blood clot into the popliteal vein, which the gastrocnemius normally empties into. Fortunately, most blood clots in the gastrocnemius appear to resolve spontaneously and do not normally require anticoagulation treatment. Close monitoring, however, is warranted until the clot can be shown to have stabilized.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Center of Orange County

Published on Jul 28, 2014

The gastroc veins are considered part of the deep system, and so a clot in a gastroc vein is a DVT. Various factors must be taken into consideration
when deciding the level of concern, including its proximity to a perforator vein, the reason it occurred (trauma, post-op, post-treatment, prior history of DVT, patient age, presence of malignancy). A vein specialist can advise you how to proceed given your particular situation.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/1015_1408044084.jpg
Answered by Vein Center of Orange County

The gastroc veins are considered part of the deep system, and so a clot in a gastroc vein is a DVT. Various factors must be taken into consideration
when deciding the level of concern, including its proximity to a perforator vein, the reason it occurred (trauma, post-op, post-treatment, prior history of DVT, patient age, presence of malignancy). A vein specialist can advise you how to proceed given your particular situation.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Laser Vein Center

Published on Jul 27, 2014

YES a blood clot in a gastrocnemius vein is considered a DVT or deep vein thrombosis. It can be serious if it extends or grows . However with prompt
treatment the risk of any serious medical complication is quite small.

Answered by Laser Vein Center (View Profile)

YES a blood clot in a gastrocnemius vein is considered a DVT or deep vein thrombosis. It can be serious if it extends or grows . However with prompt
treatment the risk of any serious medical complication is quite small.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

Published on Jul 27, 2014

You need a repeat study in five days to rule out propagation.



From: VeinDirectory.org Questions & Answers System
[mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: Friday, July 25, 2014 6:05 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Patient Question from VeinDirectory.org ID:36110
Importance: High



PATIENT QUESTION

ID:36110
Question: Is a blood clot in a gastronemius vein considered a DVT? Is it
serious?
Procedure: Compression Stockings
Question Detail: Should I be concerned about a blood clot in my gastronemius
vein? Is this considered a deep vein thrombosis? Is this something I should
be worried about? What should be done about it?

***********************************
Please answer this question by using the reply button. The original content
and subject should not be modified, otherwise your answer will not be valid.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/554_1447800116.jpg
Answered by Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

You need a repeat study in five days to rule out propagation.



From: VeinDirectory.org Questions & Answers System
[mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: Friday, July 25, 2014 6:05 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Patient Question from VeinDirectory.org ID:36110
Importance: High



PATIENT QUESTION

ID:36110
Question: Is a blood clot in a gastronemius vein considered a DVT? Is it
serious?
Procedure: Compression Stockings
Question Detail: Should I be concerned about a blood clot in my gastronemius
vein? Is this considered a deep vein thrombosis? Is this something I should
be worried about? What should be done about it?

***********************************
Please answer this question by using the reply button. The original content
and subject should not be modified, otherwise your answer will not be valid.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Jul 25, 2014

The gastrocnemius vein is a deep vein and a clot in it is considered a DVT. There are two options to treat this: ASA and repeat duplex scan in 2 weeks or oral anticoagulation for 6 weeks to 3 months. I prefer to use oral anticoagulation and follow up with duplex scans to determine how long to treat.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/1053_1499982262.jpg
Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

The gastrocnemius vein is a deep vein and a clot in it is considered a DVT. There are two options to treat this: ASA and repeat duplex scan in 2 weeks or oral anticoagulation for 6 weeks to 3 months. I prefer to use oral anticoagulation and follow up with duplex scans to determine how long to treat.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Related Questions for Compression Stockings

Compression Stockings -7 answers
And should you be physically active while wearing the crompression socks?
See More
Compression Stockings -15 answers
I am 21 weeks pregnant and my whole leg and feet really hurt. I only have knee-length compression hose. Can I sleep with them on?
See More
Compression Stockings -13 answers
How big of a size do compression stockings come in?
See More
Compression Stockings -10 answers
I got knee surgery and have been wearin the socks for 3 weeks with some rests a day. I walk on my leg so blood circulates and crutches help me in public. Is it safe to not wear the stockings at all anymore? I just really don't want a blood clot.
See More
Compression Stockings -12 answers
I wear compression stockings for varicose veins during my pregnancy. They ease the pain and tiredness, but my legs get so itchy sometimes - especially after I take my stockings off. What can i do to prevent the itchiness and are they too tight?
See More
Compression Stockings -13 answers
I was wondering if someone who already has a clot wore compression stockings, would it be safe? Might this dislodge the clot? I only just learned about compression stockings and I'm not sure of these details.
See More
Compression Stockings -7 answers
I had the procedure this morning and wore the compression stockings all day but I can't remember if the Dr. said to wear them when I sleep?
See More
Compression Stockings -11 answers
Do you recommend wearing compression stockings on long flights? I have two flights: one 8 hours with a break of 12 hours and continuing another 12 hours after. I have store bought knee highs and thigh highs. Any disadvantages?
See More
Compression Stockings -9 answers
The knee highs are so much more comfortable. Are they effective enough?
See More
Get answers from our experienced doctors.
How it works
Compression Stockings -9 answers
I'm wondering if the pressure from compression stockings can harm the fetus?
See More
Compression Stockings -6 answers
If I have problems with just one leg, can I wear one compression knee high or should I wear both?
See More
Compression Stockings -4 answers
How long after starting to wear these, will I see results?My calve has improved, but the ankle is still huge and the foot quite puffy.
See More
Compression Stockings -8 answers
I presently suffer from a sciatica for the 1st time. Lots of pain in my calf area and particularly in one pinpoint spot in the calf along with hip/groin pain.I wonder if stockings will help my calf pain and is it safe at 20/30 compression?Thank you
See More
Compression Stockings -13 answers
I am wearing compression stockings and was wondering how long should I wear them? Six and a half weeks after my C-section, I am still not mobile much.
See More
Compression Stockings -8 answers
What are the differences? Is it worth the additional cost?
See More
Compression Stockings -9 answers
It seems like tight clothes wouldn't benefit circulation.
See More
Compression Stockings -8 answers
My vascular surgeon did an ultrasound and prescribed endovenous laser ablation. She also suggested that I wear compression stockings after the procedure. However, due to severe psoriasis and eczema on my feet, I cannot wear full-coverage stockings that cover them. They must always be in wet dressings, but cannot be fully covered. Would footless compression stockings be just as effective as full-coverage hose following the procedure?
See More
Compression Stockings -9 answers
I would like "save" my legs and buy compression stockings. I dont have any other medical problems that would require me to use the stockings other that I am a nurse and am on my feet a lot. What level of comrpession would you recommend I start with?
See More
Get answers from our experienced doctors.
How it works

Related Articles

Have specific questions?
ASK A DOCTOR