Screening

Screening with imaging tests

Although asymptomatic pulmonary embolism (PE) is treated similarly to symptomatic PE, asymptomatic PE is generally detected incidentally when imaging is performed for a specific indication, especially cancer staging.[6][19]​​​​​​​ Studies have explored the value of screening for asymptomatic PE with imaging in cancer patients, though more data is needed before adopting this into clinical practice.[196]​ Screening for asymptomatic PE should not be part of routine clinical care.

Thrombophilia screening

Screening for thrombophilia in patients who have not yet had a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is not likely to be beneficial except in very rare circumstances (e.g., a known family history of antithrombin deficiency in a woman planning pregnancy).[61][197]​​

Cancer screening

Routine screening for cancer, apart from assuring that all age-appropriate screening has been completed, is not currently recommended in patients with an unprovoked DVT.[182]​ The prevalence of occult cancer was low among patients with a first unprovoked venous thromboembolism. Routine screening with computed tomography of the abdomen and pelvis did not provide a clinically significant benefit.[184]

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