Venous Thromboembolism in the Black Population

Racial Differences in 30-Day Mortality for Pulmonary Embolism

“…One preliminary study reported that Black patients were more likely than White patients to have proximal deep venous thrombosis (68% vs 59%), which is associated with higher clot burden and possibly higher risk of VTE recurrence and death. 15 Although we did not examine treatment for pulmonary embolism in our study, differences in management of acute pulmonary embolism during the hospital course could explain the higher observed pulmonary embolism mortality among Black patients. Because the risk of recurrent pulmonary embolism is greatest early after a pulmonary embolism episode, suboptimal anticoagulation during the hospital course may contribute to a higher risk of death after pulmonary embolism.…”

Racial disparities in risk factors for thrombosis

“…Stein et al assessed the presence of racial disparities between Caucasians and African-Americans using discordant rates of diagnostic tests, rendition of diagnosis, or hospitalization for VTE as indicators. Similarly, equivalent prevalence rates were reported for DVT and pulmonary embolism between whites and blacks at a British hospital [23]. In a separate study designed to characterize prevalence of DVT between 1998 and 2000 using hospital discharge data, rates were comparable between black (0.69%, 30/4344 patients) and white (0.84%; 240/28 615) adults [22].…”

Emergency Physician Performed Ultrasound for DVT Evaluation

“…An estimated two-third of individuals with VTE are unidentified [4]. Furthermore, DVT is only found in approximately 25% of patients with suggestive symptoms as many other disorders present with similar manifestations [10]. The requirement of imaging to eliminate the possibility of DVT and the large number of undiagnosed DVT cases provides substantial support for extensive patient screening for DVT.…”