Deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. The importance of heightened awareness.

Left untreated, deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism have a high rate of mortality and long-term morbidity. Physicians therefore must maintain a high index of suspicion for these conditions. Accurate diagnosis is facilitated by knowing the most common sites of thrombus formation, the likelihood of propagation, which patients are at greatest risk, signs and symptoms, and which tests to order. Prompt administration of anticoagulants and, in some cases, thrombolytic agents can minimize the consequences of these diseases. Interruption of the inferior vena cava, thrombectomy, and thromboembolectomy are other treatment options.