Deep vein thrombosis screening

Value of screening

In-spite of identifying patients at increased risk of VTE, there is no clear clinical value for screening, the following reason explains

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