Venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a condition in which thrombus forms in a vein, commonly in the deep veins of the leg, termed deep-vein thrombosis (DVT). The thrombus may dislodge from the site of origin and be carried into the pulmonary vasculature, causing a pulmonary embolism (PE). Deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism share similar predisposing factors; however, mortality is greater in those who present with PE than in those who present with DVT. Thrombi may form in other parts of the vasculature.