Purpose: The purpose of this consensus report was to address clinicall
y relevant questions related to the diagnosis and management of acute
pulmonary embolism and deep venous thrombosis. Background: Physicians
are often forced to make decisions about the diagnosis and management
of pulmonary thromboembolism even though there are only limited data t
o guide them. Methods: We assessed the relevant literature regarding c
linical trials according to levels of evidence, The data on which the
opinions of the committee were made were sparse. The consensus opinion
s, therefore, were often based on experience or intuition, rather than
firm data. Results: Consensus opinions were given in regard to eight
clinically relevant questions. Conclusion: We hope that the consensus
opinions of this committee will assist others in making clinical decis
ions while we all await prospective investigations.