Objective: To know in our area the security of no long-term anticoagulation in patients with suspected pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) and a low probability ventilation/perfusion (V/Q) lung scan.
Material and methods: Retrospective review of a series of consecutive outpatients with suspected PTE and a low probability V/Q lung scan, according to the modified PIOPED criteria, who receive no long-term anticoagulation.
Results: Among 38 patients with a low probability V/Q lung scan, 31 (81.6%) did not receive long-term anticoagulation. The median age was 69.1 years (range 26-88 years), and 19 (61.3%) were female. The clinical probability of PTE was moderate in 27 patients (87.1%). Twenty-two patients (71%) had a venous lower extremities echography-doppler negative for deep vein thrombosis (DVT). The median follow-up was 6.3 months (range 3-12 months). There was one case (3.2%; 95% confidence interval, 0.1-16.7%) with demonstrated PTE and DVT, and there was no death.
Conclusion: No long-term anticoagulation in outpatients with a moderate clinical probability of PTE, a low probability V/Q lung scan and a venous lower extremities echography-doppler negative for DVT may be secure in our area.