Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 30, 2026

Point-Of-Care Ultrasound Screening for Proximal Lower Extremity Deep Venous Thrombosis
Published on: February 10, 2023
Venous thromboembolism during pregnancy. Clinical suspicion warrants evaluation
Jerrie S Refuerzo1, Jill L Hechtman, Mark E Redman
1Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University, Hutzel Hospital, 4707 St. Antoine Boulevard, Detroit, MI 48201, USA. jrefuerz@med.wayne.edu
Objective:
To determine the incidence, signs, symptoms and clinical outcomes of venous thromboembolism (VTE) during pregnancy.
Study Design:
A retrospective review was conducted from 1997 to 2001 including women with a diagnosis or suspicion of VTE during pregnancy. Demographics and clinical characteristics of patients with a suspicion for VTE were reviewed.
Results:
Of 70 patients assessed for evidence of a VTE, 25.7% (n = 18) had confirmatory diagnostic testing. There was no difference in the clinical signs or symptoms between groups with a pulmonary embolism (PE) compared to those without a PE. For those patients with negative diagnostic testing (n = 52), an alternative diagnosis was confirmed in 55.8%. Of the patients with positive diagnostic testing, 30% had a concurrent condition contributing to their pulmonary symptoms.
Conclusion:
Lack of definitive signs and symptoms of thromboembolic disease during pregnancy warrants complete evaluation of patients clinically suspected of having VTE.
Related Concept Videos
Venous Thrombosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
Venous Thrombosis IV: Nursing Management
Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care
Pulmonary Embolism II: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care
Venous Thrombosis I: Introduction
Pulmonary Embolism III: Nursing Management
