A young husband and father of two went to his primary care doctor with symptoms that should have prompted immediate testing. He had been diagnosed with chronic deep vein thrombosis. His heart rate had more than doubled since a visit just a few months earlier, and he reported shortness of breath. His doctor sent him home without any additional testing. He later collapsed at home and was rushed to the hospital, where he died. An autopsy determined that he died of a pulmonary embolism.
Stewart Tilghman Fox Bianchi & Cain, P.A. now represents his family.
What Is Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)?
Deep vein thrombosis is a blood clot that forms in a deep vein, usually in the lower leg, thigh, or pelvis, according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Symptoms can include swelling, pain, tenderness, and warmth in the affected leg. Some people have no symptoms at all.
DVT is serious on its own. The CDC reports that one third to one half of people who have had a DVT develop long-term complications, and about one third of people with a blood clot will have another within 10 years. The greatest danger, however, is what happens when a clot moves.
What Is a Pulmonary Embolism (PE)?
A pulmonary embolism occurs when a clot breaks loose and travels through the bloodstream to the lungs, where it can block blood flow. The American Heart Association describes DVT and PE as "serious, life-threatening conditions that require immediate medical attention." Together, the two conditions are known as venous thromboembolism, or VTE.
The American Heart Association lists these warning signs of a PE:
- Unexplained shortness of breath
- Rapid breathing
- A fast heart rate (tachycardia)
A history of blood clots is a recognized risk factor for VTE, according to the NHLBI. For a patient with known DVT, new shortness of breath and a sharply elevated heart rate are signs that call for prompt evaluation.
Blood Clots By the Numbers
Blood clots are far more common, and far more deadly, than many people realize.
According to the CDC:
- Up to 900,000 people in the United States are affected by DVT or PE each year.
- An estimated 60,000 to 100,000 Americans die of blood clots each year.
Why Timely Intervention Matters
Pulmonary embolism is often treatable when it is recognized. Doctors can confirm a suspected PE with imaging such as a CT scan of the chest, and treatment usually begins with blood thinners. More severe cases may call for clot-dissolving medication or a procedure to remove the clot.
Timing makes a dramatic difference. According to a clinical review published by the National Library of Medicine at the NIH, about 30% of patients with an untreated PE die, while only about 8% die after timely therapy. In other words, recognizing the warning signs and ordering the right test can be the difference between life and death.
Our Client's Case
We allege that our client's doctor had the information needed to suspect a pulmonary embolism: a known history of chronic DVT, a heart rate that had more than doubled, and shortness of breath. We allege that, instead of ordering testing to rule out a PE, the doctor sent him home. He later collapsed, and a family lost a husband and father.
We will work to hold the practice and the doctor accountable.
Talk to a Medical Malpractice Attorney
If you believe a loved one's symptoms were overlooked or a diagnosis was delayed, our medical malpractice attorneys can review what happened. Call (305) 770-6335 today to schedule a free consultation with our firm.