Background

Venous thromboembolism ([[VTE]]),(VTE), comprising deep vein thrombosis ([[DVT]])(DVT) and pulmonary embolism ([[PE]]),(PE), is a common and potentially fatal cardiovascular condition requiring **structuredstructured diagnostic pathways**,pathways, early risk stratification, and prompt anticoagulation for most patients.patients to mitigate the risk of early recurrence. [@heit2015_corrected] [@ash2020] [@stevens2021] [@eischer2025]

VTE outcomes depend on:

- **Accurate pretest probability assessment** with selective use of D-dimer and imaging to avoid missed PE while limiting unnecessary CTPA.computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA). [@esc2019] [@vanderhulle2017]
- **Appropriate anticoagulant selection** (DOACs(direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) for most;most, as they reduce recurrence and mortality compared to traditional therapies; warfarin for high-risk antiphospholipid syndrome; LMWHlow-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) often preferred in pregnancy). [@ash2020] [@stevens2021] [@kotokey2025]
- **Timely reperfusion** for high-risk PE and selected severe DVT (e.g., threatened limb, phlegmasia). [@esc2019] [@esvs2021vte]

Long-term sequelae include **post-thrombotic syndrome ([[PTS|post-thrombotic syndrome]])** after DVT and **chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH)** after PE; persistent symptoms warrant structured follow-up and referral. [@kahn2014] [@humbert2022ph]

See also [[Chronic Venous Insufficiency]] for chronic venous obstruction/reflux care and [[Diagnostics in Vascular Surgery|Chapter 3]] for imaging principles.