Venous Thromboembolism
Start with the big picture
The lesson follows VTE from its underlying causes to clinical decisions. It explains Virchow’s triad and reviews risks such as recent surgery or trauma, active cancer, pregnancy, estrogen exposure, immobility, thrombophilia, and prior VTE. DVT and PE presentations are distinguished, then diagnosis is organized around clinical probability assessment, laboratory testing, and imaging. Management topics include initial anticoagulation, rapid-acting and maintenance agents, treatment duration, and considerations for cancer-associated VTE and pregnancy. The lesson also introduces responses to massive PE with hemodynamic instability, situations where anticoagulation is contraindicated, and reversal of anticoagulants. This preview outlines the topic’s scope; the full lesson develops these areas in greater detail.
What you'll learn
- Describe Virchow’s triad and relate its components to VTE formation.
- Recognize major VTE risk factors and common signs of DVT and PE.
- Outline how clinical probability, laboratory testing, and imaging contribute to diagnosis.
- Compare the lesson’s anticoagulation topics, including maintenance, duration, and special situations.
- Identify situations covered for massive PE, anticoagulation contraindication, and reversal.
Continue your study
Work through the complete notes and reinforce the topic with the study tools available in the full lesson.
