[Secondary prevention by using oral anticoagulants in patients with clinically acute massive pulmonary embolism]

Oral anticoagulants are generally accepted as secondary prophylaxis in patients with thromboembolic disease. Long term oral anticoagulant treatment of 24 survivors of clinically acute massive pulmonary embolism (AMPE) was assessed. There were following indications for such a treatment: recurrent PE/DVT in history and/or continuous risk factors. In the group of survivors of AMPE with continuing risk factors or the recurrence of that disaster the long-term oral anticoagulant therapy is effective, relatively safe and therefore justified.