Pulmonary thromboembolism, a frequent complication in deep vein thrombosis, is still a pathology with a high rate of mortality and morbidity. The authors underline that this pathology is particularly frequent after some types of surgery and in subjects with primary or secondary risk factors. The paper analysis the pathogenesis of deep-vein thrombosis and the physiopathology of pulmonary embolism. The authors then outline the current management in terms of the diagnosis, prophylaxis, and medical and surgical therapy of this pathology.