Decision making in venous thromboembolism

Objective: To review the diagnosis and management of venous thromboembolism (VTE). Methods: Review of the literature. Results: VTE and its associated complications account for significant morbidity and mortality. Various imaging modalities can be employed to support a diagnosis of a VTE and are used based on clinical suspicion arising from the presence of signs and symptoms. Clinical decision rules have been developed that can help determine which patients warrant further testing. Anticoagulation, the mainstay of VTE treatment, increases bleeding risk, necessitating tailored treatment strategies that must incorporate etiology, risk, benefit, cost, and patient preference. Conclusion: Further study is needed to understand individual patient risks and to identify treatments that will lead to improved patient outcomes.