Axillary vein thrombosis during pregnancy: a case report.

A 32-year-old multiparous woman had progressive swelling of the right arm at 32 weeks' gestation, accompanied by cyanosis and a preserved radial pulse. Phlebography demonstrated a 5-cm thrombus in the axillary vein. No known etiologic factors were found. Intravenous heparin administration resulted in rapid resolution of the clinical findings. Subcutaneous heparin 10,000 U/day was administered for secondary prophylaxis until cesarean at 39 weeks, during which a full dose was administered without complications. Axillary vein thrombosis during pregnancy may be diagnosed by either phlebography or duplex scanning, and preferably should be treated by heparin