Fatal Venous Thromboembolism Associated with

Pulmonary embolism (PE) and deep vein thrombosis(DVT) are common causes of illness and death in all age groups. Prompt diagnosis and treatment can reduce the morbidity and mortality rate of the disease. Unfortunately, the diagnosis is missed more often than it is made because PE frequently causes only vague and nonspecific symp-toms. In>90 % of the episodes of PE, the thrombi originate from leg veins; however, PE can arise from DVT any-where in the body. Some studies show that the overall mortality rate of PE in untreated patients is 25–30 % and 5–8 % in patients who received treatment. Thrombosis in the veins is triggered by venostasis, hypercoagulability, and vessel wall inflammation (Virchow triad).1,2 All known clinical risk factors for DVT and PE have their basis in one or more of the triad, such as gynecologic (pelvic) surgery, major trauma, indwelling venous catheter, immobilization