Anticoagulation Duration and Targets for Provoked Pulmonary Embolism

Definition and Risk Stratification

• A provoked pulmonary embolism is defined as an event occurring in the presence of a transient (within 3 months) surgical or non‑surgical risk factor. 3

Initial Anticoagulation Strategy

• All patients with pulmonary embolism require a minimum of 3 months of therapeutic anticoagulation to prevent thrombus extension and early recurrence. 3
• The therapeutic target for warfarin is an INR of 2.5 (acceptable range 2.0–3.0), or alternatively a therapeutic‑dose direct oral anticoagulant may be used. 3