Deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism : Diagnosis and treatment

Abstract

This review summarizes current evidence and guideline recommendations concerning diagnosis and treatment of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). For the diagnostic pathway, evidence-based algorithms should be employed, based on the assessment of pretest clinical probability. D‑dimer tests may reduce the need for subsequent diagnostic procedures. Clinical management of PE is guided by risk stratification according to early mortality. Lactate levels may be helpful for further risk stratification. The acute treatment of venous thromboembolism (VTE) is commenced with intensified anticoagulation (AC), either with parenteral AC or higher initial doses of apixaban or rivaroxaban. All patients with VTE should receive the anticoagulation maintenance therapy for 3-6months, while the duration of the subsequent secondary prophylaxis depends on the presumed risk of VTE recurrence and bleeding. Compression therapy is used to prevent postthrombotic syndrome. Acute revascularization procedures are limited to rare special cases. In obese patients up to 150 kg, standard doses of rivaroxaban and apixaban are appropriate. In cancer-associated thromboembolism (CAT), the previous guideline recommendation to use low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) for 3-6months is now broadened with the recommendation for factor Xa inhibitors, with the caveat for gastrointestinal and urothelial cancer or expected drug-drug interactions with the anticancer treatment. Here, and in unstable clinical situations, LMWH is preferred.