Trousseau's Syndrome

Describes peripheral venous thrombosis in association with visceral carcinoma, frequently pancreatic. This is due to tumor procoagulant, cytokines, immobility, iv catheters and other cellular interactions which are not completely understood.

Up to 5% of pts with new dvt/pte diagnosis will have new cancer diagnosis in 1 yr

Most common include: lung, pancreatic, gastrointestinal, breast, ovarian, and genitourinary cancers, lymphomas, and brain tumors

(Ellen Eaton MD, 11/29/10)