When deep venous thrombosis fails to respond to therapy.

Background: Deep venous thrombosis in primary care is usually treated with rest, analgesics, intravenous or low-molecular-weight heparin, and coumadin. In some cases, however, a less familiar course of diagnosis and management is required.

Methods: We describe the case of a 53-year-old truck driver who had an acute deep venous thrombosis of his right lower extremity, which failed to respond to routine therapy with heparin and warfarin.