Homocysteinemia-induced upper-extremity deep-vein thrombosis: A sinister at high altitude

Abstract

Hyperhomocysteinemia is a rare condition which predisposes to arterial and venous thrombosis. Plasma homocysteine levels are influenced by many genetic factors and environmental factors. Increased levels of homocysteine at high-altitude areas (HAA) can predispose to upper-extremity deep-vein thrombosis (UEDVT). Therefore, awareness by the medical authorities regarding this entity at HAA as a sole cause of UEDVT needs to be established. Prompt reduction in the homocysteine level can be therapeutic as well as prophylactic in preventing the morbidity.

Keywords

• altitude
• anticoagulant
• folate
• homocysteinemia
• thrombolysis
• upper-extremity deep-vein thrombosis