ABSTRACT

Venous thromboembolic disease (VTD) is a spectrum of diseases that includes pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) and deep vein thrombosis (DVT), it is originated as a complication of various and heterogenous diseases. The main origin is the formation of a thrombus inside pelvic extremities’ venous system that follows an embolization pathway throughout cardiac right chambers and into pulmonary circulation. Pathogenesis of VTD concurs in acquired or congenital states denominated risk factors, whose identification aids in diagnosis, probability can be estimated based on certain predictive rules. PTE presentation is varied, from asymptomatic events to massive embolism with sudden death. Signs and symptoms are inespecific, hemodynamic consequences are directly related to size and number of emboli and basal respiratory and cardiac condition. Laboratory and image tests are required for a correct stimate of the patient’s conditions and for the initiaton of appropriate therapy. Initian anticoagulation achieving correct levels influences efficacy, both in short and long terms. Treatment goals are avoiding recurrent emboli or thrombus propagation, prognosis of treated VTD depends mainly on coexistent morbidities, such as cardiovascular disease and malignancy.

KEYWORDS

Venous thromboembolic disease, pulmonary thromboembolism, deep vein thrombosis.

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