Blood clot problems are often easily misdiagnosed

On Behalf of | Sep 23, 2021 | Medical Malpractice |

Many medical conditions can mimic others, which is why it’s crucial for North Carolina doctors to thoroughly assess their patients when trying to reach the proper diagnosis. Not going through all of the possibilities can have catastrophic effects, especially when the possibilities include blood clots.

Is it DVT or something else?

Several medical conditions can mimic deep vein thrombosis, commonly known as DVT. DVT symptoms include:

  • Swelling in one leg
  • Skin that is warm to the touch and is red or discolored
  • Pain or tenderness when standing or walking

Incorrectly diagnosing DVT blood clots can lead to medical malpractice because if the clot is not correctly diagnosed, it can break free from its location in the legs and travel to the heart or lungs, causing a heart attack or pulmonary embolism that can lead to disability or even death. Superficial thrombophlebitis is similar, but the blood clot occurs just under the skin instead of deep within the leg.

Incorrectly diagnosing any condition that mimics the presence of blood clots can have far-reaching effects. Medical conditions that have symptoms similar to DVT blood clots include:

  • Peripheral artery disease
  • Varicose veins and spider veins
  • Cellulitis
  • Vasculitis
  • Acute arterial occlusion
  • Necrotizing fasciitis
  • Nephrotic syndrome

Complex conditions require complex testing

In some cases, not all blood clot symptoms may be present, resulting in misdiagnosis of blood clots. Even a few hours can make a difference for problems like necrotizing fasciitis, also known as the flesh-eating disease, as this condition can quickly lead to death.

Medical clinics and professionals should run a complete battery of tests to rule out other possible causes in addition to confirming a diagnosis. When these tests are not run and you get injured because of this neglect, you have a right to file a legal claim.