CONGRESS ABSTRACT

Upper limb deep vein thrombosis (UEDVT) is an uncommon condition compared to lower limb thrombosis, often associated with iatrogenic or mechanical causes. We report the case of a 65-year-old woman, with no systemic risk factors, who developed an occlusive venous thrombosis of the left upper limb following blunt trauma. The use of an infrared vein finder allowed the identification of an abnormal venous image with a dark, “full” and non-variable appearance, immediately raising the suspicion of thrombosis, which was later confirmed by Doppler ultrasound. This case highlights the potential role of the vein finder not only as a tool for venous access, but also as a rapid, simple, and safe method for early diagnostic suspicion in traumatic settings.A 65-year-old woman, with no history of malignancy, thrombophilia, or other systemic risk factors, presented after a blunt trauma to the left upper limb. On examination, mild edema and localized tenderness were observed, without signs of compartment syndrome. The vein finder showed a venous tract with an unusually dark and “full” image, lacking the physiological dynamic variations of filling seen in other districts. Subsequent Doppler ultrasound confirmed an occlusive venous thrombosis, with intraluminal hypoechoic material, absence of compressibility, and absence of color Doppler flow signal.This case suggests that the vein finder, beyond its primary role in venipuncture guidance, may serve as a useful adjunct for raising clinical suspicion of upper limb venous thrombosis. In post-traumatic situations, its simplicity and speed may direct the clinician towards early diagnosis, subsequently confirmed with Doppler ultrasound. Further observational studies are needed to define the actual diagnostic value of the vein finder in venous thrombosis.