Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 15, 2026

Point-Of-Care Ultrasound Screening for Proximal Lower Extremity Deep Venous Thrombosis
Published on: February 10, 2023
Venous thromboembolic disease in the elderly patient: atypical, subtle, and enigmatic
1Department of Emergency Medicine, The University of Maryland School of Medicine, 110 South Paca Street, Suite 200, 6th floor, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA. rrogers@medicine.umaryland.edu
Abstract:
Venous thromboembolic disease (VTE) is a common medical condition in the geriatric population. Risk factors include congestive heart failure, cancer, orthopedic conditions such as hip fractures, and other debilitating diseases. Clinical presentations of patients who have VTE may be subtle and atypical. Traditional vital sign abnormalities found in patients who have VTE may be absent in the older patient, and presentations such as isolated syncope without chest pain or dyspnea are common. This article provides information that will allow primary care providers to increase their rate of detection of VTE, particularly pulmonary embolism. By having an appreciation for the subtle and atypical presentations of VTE, they will be in a position to significantly lower morbidity and mortality in older patients.
Related Concept Videos
Venous Thrombosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
Venous Thrombosis I: Introduction
Venous Thrombosis IV: Nursing Management
Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care
Peripheral Arterial Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Evaluation
Endocarditis II: Clinical Features of Infective Endocarditis
