Venous thromboembolism in elderly hospitalized patients

Background. The elderly seem to be vulnerable to venous thromboembolism (VTE) and the associated pathologies may increase diagnostic difficulty. Objectives. The management and particularities of TEV in elderly hospitalized in different clinical departments. Methods. We studied the demographic and clinical data, risk factors. co morbidities, risk classification and the correlation to ultrasonography in patients over 65 years old hospitalized in two different clinical departments. Results. Elderly develop pulmonary embolism (PE) more frequently, especially men (72% men vs. 28% women.). The most frequent risk factors in the Cardiology Department are cardiac failure (50%), deep venous thrombosis (DVT) (37%) and obesity (75%) and in the Surgical Department (75% DVT, 60% obesity, 55% venous insufficiency, 20% cancer, 15% surgery). Dyspnoea (84%) and anxiety (93%) are the most frequent symptoms. Ultrasonography can change the risk group, increasing the diagnostic probability in 9 cases (28%). Conclusions. Elderly are vulnerable to severe forms of venous thromboembolism (VTE), with scarce symptoms. Cardiac failure, DVT, surgery, and cancer are frequent. and that justifies appropriate prophylaxis. Ultrasonography is an important diagnostic tool. complementary to clinical signs.