Diagnosis of Venous Thromboembolism

The diagnosis of acute venous thromboembolism (VTE) is challenging, as patients may have few of the classic signs or symptoms of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE). Incorporating clinical findings into validated diagnostic pathways greatly aids the diagnostic process. Clinical prediction tools, such as the Wells score and the Pulmonary Embolism Rule-out Criteria, should be used to guide diagnostic testing. When imaging is indicated, compression ultrasound and computed tomography pulmonary angiography are the tests of choice for DVT and PE, respectively.