Effort thrombosis with sepsis.

This report of a recreational athlete who had arm discomfort, fever, headache, and emesis frames a discussion of the diagnosis and treatment for primary upper-extremity deep vein thrombosis (PUEDVT). An unusual aspect of the case was sepsis without typical risk factors. Treatment of PUEDVT usually involves immediate anticoagulation and local thrombolysis followed by evaluation for postthrombosis management; septic thrombophlebitis usually responds to intravenous antibiotics. Postthrombosis management is somewhat controversial, but first-rib resection is frequently recommended for patients who have thoracic outlet compression. This patient returned to unrestricted athletics without surgical intervention.