Abstract
Inherited and acquired thrombophilias and hypercoagulable states, such as active cancer,
estrogen-induced, autoimmune disorders, major surgery, hospitalization, and trauma,
are well-known risk factors for venous thromboembolism (VTE). The effect of these
on recurrent VTE is different for each specific risk factor. The major risk factors
affecting VTE recurrence include the presence of active cancer and an unprovoked first
VTE. In addition, the use of combined female hormones in a woman with a previous history
of estrogen-related VTE is a major risk factor for VTE recurrence. The extent of influence
of inherited thrombophilia on the risk of recurrence is controversial. Conversely,
the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies, specifically triple positive carriers,
appears to increase the risk of VTE recurrence. Understanding the rates of recurrent
VTE in a patient and the individual risk of bleeding is important in determining the
duration of anticoagulation therapy.
Keywords
hypercoagulable - thrombophilia - recurrent - venous thromboembolism - interventional
radiology
