Deep vein thrombosis among injecting drug users in Sheffield

Aims: To identify the proportion of patients testing positive for deep vein thrombosis (DVT) who are injecting drug users (IDUs), and examine differences in the investigation and management of this group compared with non-IDUs. Methods: Analysis of data collected from emergency department records and a review of patient notes. Results: All patients in this study who were known to inject recreational drugs tested positive for DVT on Doppler ultrasound scan. Conclusions: IDUs should be considered at high risk of developing DVT and should be investigated accordingly.