Management of lower-extremity venous thromboembolism: An updated review

Abstract

According to the 2021 updated guidelines of the American College of Chest Physicians, the location of venous thromboembolism, the severity of symptoms, the risk of thrombus extension vs that of bleeding, and comorbidities all affect the decision to treat, the choice of antithrombotic agent, and the duration of therapy. In patients with isolated distal deep vein thrombosis without highrisk features, monitoring progression is recommended over initiating anticoagulation. However, treatment of proximal deep vein thrombosis with anticoagulation is strongly recommended by the guidelines. More evidence now supports the treatment of superfi cial vein thrombosis with anticoagulation in high-risk patients.