Diagnosis and management of venous thromboembolism

Abstract

Venous thromboembolic disease is a common disease associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Accurate and timely diagnosis should be guided by the use of validated clinical prediction rules. The mainstay of therapy is anticoagulation, although alternative approaches, such as use of concurrent thrombolysis or placement of vena caval filters, may be appropriate in selected patients. Determination of duration of anticoagulation requires a detailed assessment of the risk factors associated with the event allowing estimation of recurrence risk, and careful assessment of bleeding risk. Although extremely effective, anticoagulants have a narrow therapeutic window; systems should be in place to reduce risk of adverse events associated with these agents.