Deep vein thrombosis screening

Value of screening

There is no clear clinical value for screening, in-spite of identifying patients at increased risk of VTE. The following reason explains

• The strongest risk factor for VTE recurrence is the prior VTE event itself.
• In VTE patients where the cause was unknown, after discontinuation of warfarin irrespective of the presence of inherited thrombophilia, are at high risk of recurrence.
• Anticoagulant prophylaxis is rarely recommended in asymptomatic affected family members outside of high risk situations.