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Updated: Jun 21, 2026

A Multicenter MRI Protocol for the Evaluation and Quantification of Deep Vein Thrombosis
Published on: June 2, 2015
Balancing risks and benefits of extended anticoagulant therapy for idiopathic venous thrombosis
1Hamilton Health Sciences, Henderson Division, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. kearonc@mcmaster.ca
Abstract:
About half of the patients with a first idiopathic proximal deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE) are expected to have a recurrent episode of venous thromboembolism (VTE) within 10 years of stopping therapy, and randomized trials have shown that this group of patients benefit from long-term anticoagulant therapy. High risks for bleeding and patient preference are compelling reasons not to treat such patients long-term. Although a number of factors are associated with a reduced risk of recurrence, they require further validation before it is appropriate to routinely stop anticoagulants after 3 months in patients with idiopathic proximal DVT or PE.
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