Abstract
Venous ultrasongraphy is favored as the initial investigation for DVT. To diagnose PE, most clinicians rely on diagnostic algorithms that combine clinical assessment, noninvasive lung studies, and, if necessary, venous ultrasonography of the legs and D-dimer testing.
The outpatient management of venous thromboembolism could replace the inpatient care for most patients. Fixed-dose, weight-adjusted low-molelcular-weight heparins, as efficacious and safe as unfractionated heparin, allow home treatment for selected and eligible patients.
Programs for outpatient management need, after appropriate selection, adequate patient education, easy access to health-care professionals and daily follow-up during heparin and warfarin treatment.