Annals of internal medicine
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Clinical Trial
Extended oral anticoagulant therapy after a first episode of pulmonary embolism.
The optimal duration of oral anticoagulant treatment after a first episode of pulmonary embolism remains uncertain. ⋯ Patients with pulmonary embolism have a substantial risk for recurrence after discontinuation of oral anticoagulation, regardless of treatment duration. Physicians should try to identify patients who are at high risk for recurrent venous thromboembolism and are therefore potential candidates for indefinite oral anticoagulant therapy.