Venous Thromboembolism While on Anticoagulation With Apixaban

Abstract

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a common condition whose pathophysiology is explained by Virchow's triad with stasis, hypercoagulability, and endothelial injury. Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) showed non-inferiority when compared with conventional treatment using subcutaneous low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) and warfarin, but treatment failure is a concern and remains a challenge for physicians. In our case report, we present a patient who had VTE in the form of a saddle pulmonary embolus while on apixaban.

Keywords: cardiovascular diseases / blood; failed anticoagulation; saddle pulmonary embolism; venous thromboembolism (vte).