Diet-Related Lunar DVT — Venous Stasis Thrombosis
Earth designation: Diet-Related Deep Vein Thrombosis
Diet-Related presentation of Deep Vein Thrombosis in lunar residents. Blood clot formation in deep veins, most commonly in the legs. The risk profile differs significantly from Earth: lunar gravity still provides some venous return assistance, but reduced activity during EVA prep, long habitat rest periods, and dehydration create a prothrombotic environment. Virchow's...
Lunar Risk Factors
Prolonged EVA preparation periods with suit restriction of leg movement. Dehydration from suit sweating. Elevated red blood cell mass in some residents. Radiation-induced coagulation changes. Any lunar surgery requiring post-operative immobility.
Symptoms
Calf pain, leg swelling, warmth, erythema. May be asymptomatic until pulmonary embolism.
Lunar Presentation
Swelling may appear different in lunar gravity — more diffuse, less dependent. D-dimer elevation detected on routine labs. Pain on dorsiflexion (Homan's sign) remains useful.
Diagnosis
Compression ultrasound (priority — available in medical bay). D-dimer blood test. Clinical probability scoring (Well's criteria modified for lunar context).
Treatment
Anticoagulation (heparin followed by warfarin or direct oral anticoagulants), elevation, compression.
Lunar Medical Bay Protocol
Initiate low molecular weight heparin immediately (enoxaparin). Lunar pharmacy stocks: maintain 90-day supply. Portable ultrasound confirmation. Monitor INR if transitioning to warfarin. PE risk assessment — if high risk, consider prophylactic evacuation. All post-surgical patients: pneumatic compression devices and LMWH prophylaxis.
Evacuation Criteria
Suspected pulmonary embolism. Massive proximal DVT. Contraindication to anticoagulation. Hemodynamic instability.
Prevention
Ambulation every 2 hours during long EVA prep, hydration protocol, mechanical compression devices for surgery, LMWH for high-risk periods.