Current standings in diagnostic management of acute venous thromboembolism: Still rough around the edges

Abstract

Signs and symptoms of acute deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) are notoriously non-specific. Therefore, diagnostic management algorithms have been developed, consisting of a clinical decision rule (CDR), D-dimer testing and an imaging test, that allow safe diagnostic management and the exclusion of VTE in clinical practice. However, several challenges still remain: adherence to the diagnostic algorithms, accurate diagnosis of recurrent VTE and reducing the radiation exposure associated with computed tomography pulmonary angiography for suspected PE. In this clinically oriented review, we will provide an overview of current diagnostic algorithms for suspected DVT and PE and focus on recent advances including strategies to improve adherence to recommended algorithms, age-dependent D-dimer threshold and novel imaging techniques.

Keywords: Decision support techniques; Diagnosis; Diagnostic imaging; Fibrin fibrinogen degradation products; Venous thromboembolism.