Screening for cancer in patients with idiopathic venous thromboembolism: the clinical practice.
The reported incidence of concomitant cancer in patients with idiopathic venous thromboembolism (IVTE) varies between 4 and 24%, while the mean incidence of cancer within 3 years thereafter approximates 9%. Baseline investigations of patients with IVTE have been recommended. We evaluated the clinical practice regarding the screening of these patients according to these recommendations in two teaching hospitals. Medical history and physical examination were done reasonably exhaustively, except for investigations of the urogenital tract. Laboratory and imaging investigations were performed incompletely in a substantial proportion of the patients. The clinical evaluation regarding cancer, performed in patients with IVTE, could be improved. The implementation of a protocol should be considered.
Otten
J M M B
JM
Department of Internal Medicine, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. j.m.otten@amc.uva.nl
Smorenburg
S M
SM
de Meij
M A
MA
van der Schoor
C A
CA
Brandjes
D P M
DP
Büller
H R
HR
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D019411:Clinical Laboratory Techniques / Q000592:standards; D005260:Female; D006784:Hospitals, Teaching / Q000592:standards; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000592:standards*; D008487:Medical History Taking / Q000592:standards; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D009426:Netherlands; D010808:Physical Examination / Q000592:standards; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D013923:Thromboembolism / Q000150:complications* / Q000209:etiology; D020246:Venous Thrombosis / Q000150:complications* / Q000209:etiology