Deep Venous Thrombosis (DVT) can potentially lead to which serious complication?

Deep Venous Thrombosis (DVT) occurs when a blood clot forms in a deep vein, commonly in the legs. One of the most serious complications associated with DVT is a pulmonary embolism. This condition arises when a part of the clot, or the entire clot, dislodges and travels through the bloodstream to the lungs, causing a blockage in the pulmonary arteries. This blockage can lead to serious consequences, including difficulty breathing, chest pain, and even death, highlighting the critical nature of detecting and treating DVT early to prevent such progression.

The association between DVT and pulmonary embolism is well established in medical literature, underscoring the need for appropriate diagnosis and management of patients at risk for DVT. The clot's ability to travel to the lungs directly emphasizes the connection between these two conditions, making pulmonary embolism the primary concern when considering the complications of DVT.