Venous thromboembolism

Abstract

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) have a shared pathophysiology and together, along with superficial thrombophlebitis, comprise the spectrum of venous thromboembolism (VTE). PE causes 10 % of deaths in hospitals representing the most common preventable cause of death in patients with misdiagnosed or improperly treated DVT [1]. Evaluating the patient’s history, signs, symptoms and risk factors for VTE is essential for diagnosis along with the use of validated clinical prediction rules. Once diagnosed, multiple effective treatment options are currently available, including well-tolerated new oral anticoagulants, for short- and long-term treatment.