Pathophysiology of venous thrombosis, thrombophilia, and the diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis-pulmonary embolism in the elderly.

This article reviews Virchow's triad to provide clinicians with the pathophysiologic basis for the development of venous thromboembolism (VTE). Armed with these data physicians should be vigilant of the development of VTE when these factors are present. The second clinical point is the appropriate need to evaluate elderly patients for primary or secondary thrombophilia. By using statistical probability and clinical history selected geriatric patients with VTE should be assessed for the etiology of their hypercoagulable state. Finally, evaluating symptomatic patients for VTE should be structured to use the appropriate testing to confirm the diagnosis.