Opinions regarding the diagnosis and management of venous thromboembolic disease. ACCP Consensus Committee on Pulmonary Embolism. American College of Chest Physicians.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this consensus report was to address clinically relevant questions related to the diagnosis and management of acute pulmonary embolism and deep venous thrombosis.


BACKGROUND
Physicians are often forced to make decisions about the diagnosis and management of pulmonary thromboembolism even though there are only limited data to guide them.


METHODS
We assessed the relevant literature regarding clinical trials according to levels of evidence. The data on which the opinions of the committee were made were sparse. The consensus opinions, therefore, were often based on experience or intuition, rather than firm data.


RESULTS
Consensus opinions were given in regard to eight clinically relevant questions.


CONCLUSIONS
We hope that the consensus opinions of this committee will assist others in making clinical decisions while we all await prospective investigations.
D000208:Acute Disease; D000792:Angiography; D015901:Angiography, Digital Subtraction; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002933:Cineradiography; D003287:Contrast Media; D003657:Decision Making; D005338:Fibrin Fibrinogen Degradation Products / Q000032:analysis; D006495:Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D010690:Phlebography; D011655:Pulmonary Embolism / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy; D011877:Radionuclide Imaging; D019275:Radiopharmaceuticals; D016284:Technetium Tc 99m Pentetate; D013924:Thrombophlebitis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D016306:Vena Cava Filters; D014692:Ventilation-Perfusion Ratio
D000925:Anticoagulants; D003287:Contrast Media; D005338:Fibrin Fibrinogen Degradation Products; D006495:Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight; D019275:Radiopharmaceuticals; C036309:fibrin fragment D; D016284:Technetium Tc 99m Pentetate