I Was Diagnosed With DVT Had Subsegmental Pulmonary Emboli

Posted on Wed, 19 Feb 2025

Question: Hi, I broke my foot 12/18. I was diagnosed with a DVT, the next day I had subsegmental pulmonary emboli. No right heart strain, CT looks normal except for the clots. I have Factor Five Leiden Heterozygote. I am on Xarelto. Over a month done, and 5 more months to go. Will I be on lifelong blood thinners? What are my chances of another clot? Should I be super depressed by all this or will life go on. I feel so much better.. no leg pain and no short of breath anymore.

Answered by Dr. Indranil Ghosh (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Yes life will go on

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for your query.

Factor v leiden heterozygous patients have five fold increased risk for thrombosis. Given the fact that this time it was provoked by a fracture, you may not need lifelong anticoagulation. Six months treatment is usual.

However, other risk factors like obesity, smoking, hypertension, diabetes should also be taken into consideration. You need to have a risk vs benefit discussion with your doc regarding lifelong anticoagulation. It's not an easy decision.

But definitely you should not get depressed and life will go on as usual.

Hope this helps.
Regards

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj