Swollen arm in a former athlete

Abstract

We reported a case of a former water polo player who suffered from a non-traumatic right subclavian vein thrombosis. An otherwise healthy former athlete developed thrombosis of the right subclavian vein. He presented with swelling of his right arm. Diagnosis was made by colour doppler ultrasonography. He received low molecular weight heparin as initial treatment followed by thrombolytic therapy with alteplase and heparin infusion. He continued with outpatient anticoagulant therapy for six months before returning to usual daily activities. There is no evidence or report on the time length after ending of an athletic pursuit that would predispose to the formation of subclavian vein thrombosis. Early diagnosis and treatment of patients with subclavian vein thrombosis is important in order to avoid complications, occupational disability and the adverse impact on the patient's quality of life.