OBJECTIVE: To investigate the etiology, pathogenetic characteristics, clinical manifestations and diagnostic measures of upper limb deep vein thrombosis. Methods: To retrospectively analyze, follow up and summarize 14 cases of upper limb deep vein thrombosis in our hospital from January 2004 to October 2007. Results: The main clinical manifestations were pain, swelling and dysfunction of the upper limbs in 8 h to 28 d. The diagnosis was confirmed by ultrasound and venography, and the patients were treated with comprehensive therapy such as thrombolysis, anticoagulation, decongestion, improvement of circulation and elastic stockings. Four cases were found to have developed post-deep vein thrombosis syndrome at follow-up. Conclusion: Deep vein formation in the upper extremity is caused by venous injury, blood hypercoagulation and blood stasis in the upper extremity, which should be diagnosed and treated early.