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Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot in a major vein, usually in the legs and/or pelvis.Deep veins are found within groups of muscles. The veins close to the skin are called superficial veins.
While these clots most often develop in the lower legs or thighs, they may appear in the upper body, such as the arms or other locations in the body. Deep vein thrombosis can also block blood flow in the veins, causing the blood to pool. This can cause swelling, pain, and permanent damage to the leg.

There are a variety of factors that contribute to the development of deep vein thrombosis:

- surgery, particularly surgery of the hip or leg, or abdominal surgery
a long period of bed rest or sitting for a long time (e.g., on an airplane or in a car)
- birth control pills or hormones taken for symptoms of menopause
certain diseases and conditions, such as:
- varicose veins
- chronic atrial fibrillation
- inflammatory bowel disease
- lupus erythematosus, a disease of the immune system
- cancer
- heart failure
- heart attack
- arterial disease
- spinal cord injury and resulting paralysis
- previous blood clot (thrombosis)
- pregnancy

Symptoms include:
- Swelling. This could be generalized swelling in the leg or localized swelling along a blood vessel that creates a swollen cord that can be felt.
- Warmth.
- Pain or tenderness. The pain may be in the calf or thigh and may be present only when the affected area is touched or with standing or walking.
- Redness.

The presence of deep venous thrombosis may be seen on:
- venography of the legs
- Doppler ultrasound exam of an extremity
- plethysmography of the legs
- D-dimer blood test

The complications are:
- pulmonary embolus
- post-phlebitic syndrome