The Article in Brief

Review of the Evidence on Diagnosis of Deep Venous Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism

Jodi Segal , and colleagues

Background Venous thromboembolism refers to two related conditions: deep venous thrombosis (a blood clot that can form, most often in the deep veins in the legs, thighs, or pelvis) and pulmonary embolism (which occurs if part or all of the blood clot in a deep vein breaks off and blocks an artery in the lung). Practical methods of diagnosing venous thromboembolism are important so that the condition can be treated early. This systematic review summarizes the evidence about the effectiveness of techniques for diagnosing deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism.