Deep vein thrombosis and the athlete: A case study

Although trauma is one of the most common causes of lower extremity deep vein thrombosis (DVT), athletes may present with DVT from other non-related causes. There is a lack of scientific literature concerning the return to sport protocol following a deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Methods: A case report is presented of an American flag football player who was diagnosed with a DVT. A systematic literature review was conducted for relevant primary studies on the issue of ambulation and the initiation of vigorous exercise or rehabilitation in the setting of a recently diagnosed DVT. Results: The athlete in this case report returned symptom-free to vigorous sporting activity within three weeks of being diagnosed of having a lower-limb DVT, this despite the DVT still being evident on the duplex Doppler ultrasound evaluation. The results of the literature search did not provide adequate scientific evidence to guide practitioners regarding when to advise their athletes to restart physical activity or at what intensity level and duration this should be performed. Conclusion: Until more evidence becomes available from randomized controlled trials and other case reports, the appropriate time for the athlete to return to sporting activity remains unknown. Clinical Relevance: Incorrectly diagnosed DVT in athletes may have fatal consequences. The practitioner can greatly benefit from cases reports in this relatively non-researched subject matter.