The Diagnostic Management of Recurrent Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism

The diagnostic management of recurrent venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a clinical dilemma. Clinical decision rules are well validated in patients with a first episode of clinically suspected VTE but are not validated in patients with a suspected recurrent event. D-dimer testing could safely exclude a recurrent VTE but is subject to several limitations. Imaging could objectively exclude or establish the diagnosis of recurrent VTE, but due to persistent residual abnormalities after the first or previous event, imaging interpretation can be difficult. To limit the presence of uncertain imaging test results, a standardized baseline examination after anticoagulation cessation should be considered. This review will elaborate on these issues and will discuss the recent advancements in this area.