Definition and research guide
This page combines a MeSH definition, publication statistics and selected research abstracts. It is a starting point for reading the literature, not a medical textbook or a systematic evidence review.
Content available: 3 complete abstracts (751 words), 9 references. Full article text is not stored or reproduced here; follow the PMID, DOI or PMC links to read the original sources and their access terms.
Definition
Obstruction of a vein or veins (embolism) by a blood clot (thrombus) in the blood stream.
Definition: NLM Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) scope note (Public domain (U.S. National Library of Medicine); attribution requested). View the MeSH record.
Also known as: Thromboembolism, Venous.
Where it fits in the MeSH classification
- Broader topics
- Thromboembolism
Related concepts
- Veins
- Thrombus
Research landscape
PubMed indexes 19,179 records tagged with the MeSH heading “Venous Thromboembolism” (counts retrieved 2026-10-29). 8,485 of them (44.2%) were published from 2020 onward, and the busiest period so far is 2010-2019 with 9,588 records.
Reviews account for 5,026 records (26.2%) and meta-analyses for 1,174. Randomized controlled trials number 653 (3.4%) as a share of all records on the topic.
Show the data
| Period | Records |
|---|---|
| through 1999 | 0 |
| 2000-2009 | 1,392 |
| 2010-2019 | 9,588 |
| 2020 onward | 8,485 |
Publication-type chart data
| Type | Records | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Reviews | 5,026 | 26.2% |
| Meta-analyses | 1,174 | 6.1% |
| Randomized controlled trials | 653 | 3.4% |
Method: PubMed query "Venous Thromboembolism"[MeSH Terms] with publication-type and date filters, retrieved 2026-10-29.
Reading the evidence in cardiovascular medicine
Cardiovascular medicine has an unusually large body of randomized trials, so the type of outcome matters: hard clinical events such as death, heart attack and stroke carry more weight than changes in blood pressure, cholesterol or imaging markers that only predict risk. Observational studies can show associations but are confounded by age, lifestyle and other illness. Check whether a result is about prevention or treatment, the baseline risk of participants, and the absolute rather than only the relative size of any benefit.
Evidence from open-access studies
These open-access studies come from PubMed’s best-match results for this heading (papers whose main topic it is), ranked here by citation count, with one recent addition. Each abstract is reproduced in full under its recorded open licence so that you can read the authors’ own words. They illustrate the literature; they are not a systematic summary of it. Citation counts measure attention, not reliability or clinical benefit.
| Study / authors | Year | Source label / design | Europe PMC citations | Licence / source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Interplay Between Obesity and Venous Thromboembolism: From Molecular Aspects to Clinical Issue | 2025 | Review article Design not recorded in structured metadata | 14 | cc by PMID 41226331 · DOI · PMC12610251 |
| Machine Learning in the Prediction of Venous Thromboembolism: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis | 2025 | Meta-analysis Design not recorded in structured metadata | 12 | cc by PMID 41433036 · DOI · PMC12724482 |
| Venous thromboembolism and bleeding in cancer patients: role of inflammatory and cardiac biomarkers | 2026 | Randomized controlled trial Design not recorded in structured metadata | 7 | cc by PMID 41384379 · DOI · PMC13099213 |
The Interplay Between Obesity and Venous Thromboembolism: From Molecular Aspects to Clinical Issue [1]
Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
- Opening excerpt
- This review examines the intricate relationship between obesity and venous thromboembolism (VTE), highlighting the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms and clinical implications.
- Closing excerpt
- Ultimately, a deeper understanding of the molecular and cellular links between obesity and VTE is essential for developing targeted strategies to reduce risk and improve outcomes in this vulnerable population.
- Interpretation limits
- Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (195 words)
This review examines the intricate relationship between obesity and venous thromboembolism (VTE), highlighting the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms and clinical implications. Obesity is an established independent risk factor for VTE, which includes deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). The risk of VTE escalates with increasing body mass index (BMI) and is particularly associated with abdominal adiposity. Dysfunctional adipose tissue (AT) in obesity promotes a pro-thrombotic state through chronic low-grade inflammation and impaired fibrinolysis. This inflammation is driven by stress within hypertrophied adipocytes, which leads to localized hypoxia, cellular dysfunction, and ultimately, cell death. This inflammation is driven by adipocyte stress and the infiltration of immune cells. The adipokine leptin exemplifies the complex link between obesity and VTE. While leptin has pro-thrombotic effects, low leptin levels are paradoxically associated with an increased morbidity and mortality in patients with acute PE, a phenomenon termed the "obesity paradox". Furthermore, metabolic syndrome significantly increases the risk of recurrent VTE, with the risk growing with each additional metabolic component. Ultimately, a deeper understanding of the molecular and cellular links between obesity and VTE is essential for developing targeted strategies to reduce risk and improve outcomes in this vulnerable population.
Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 41226331 · DOI · PMC12610251
Machine Learning in the Prediction of Venous Thromboembolism: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis [2]
Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
- Opening excerpt
- BackgroundWith the increasing use of machine learning (ML)-based risk prediction models for venous thromboembolism (VTE) in patients, the quality and applicability of these models in practice and future research remain unknown.
- Closing excerpt
- Consequently, future research must prioritize external validation and address methodological rigor to facilitate the translation of these models into routine clinical practice.
- Interpretation limits
- Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (297 words)
BackgroundWith the increasing use of machine learning (ML)-based risk prediction models for venous thromboembolism (VTE) in patients, the quality and applicability of these models in practice and future research remain unknown. The prediction mechanism of ML and the number of selected factors have been research hotspots in VTE prediction.ObjectiveThis study aimed to systematically review the literature on the predictive value of ML for VTE.MethodsPubMed, Web of Science, MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, and Cochrane Library databases were searched for studies published up to March 26, 2025. Studies that developed and validated an ML model for VTE prediction in the patient population and were published in English were eligible, and studies with duplicate data were excluded. The Prediction Model Risk of Bias Assessment Tool was used to assess the risk of bias in the included studies. Meta-analyses were performed to evaluate the C-index, sensitivity, and specificity.ResultsA total of 27 studies with 596,092 patients reported the assessment value of ML models for predicting VTE. The risk of bias assessment yielded 18 (67%) studies with a high risk of bias, 8 (30%) with an unclear risk of bias, and 1 (4%) with a low risk of bias. The pooled sensitivity and specificity were 0.79 (95% CI 0.78-0.80) and 0.82 (95% CI 0.81-0.82), respectively. The positive likelihood ratio was 5.02 (95% CI 3.81-6.60), the negative likelihood ratio was 0.27 (95% CI 0.22-0.33), and the diagnostic odds ratio was 20.14 (95% CI 13.69-29.63; PConclusionsML has been shown to effectively predict VTE in patients. However, a high risk of bias was identified in most of the included studies (18/27, 67%), primarily due to shortcomings in handling missing data and reporting the study design. Consequently, future research must prioritize external validation and address methodological rigor to facilitate the translation of these models into routine clinical practice.
Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 41433036 · DOI · PMC12724482
Venous thromboembolism and bleeding in cancer patients: role of inflammatory and cardiac biomarkers [3]
Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
- Opening excerpt
- Background and aimsPatients with cancer have increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) and bleeding.
- Closing excerpt
- Prospective research is needed to confirm these findings.
- Interpretation limits
- Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (259 words)
Background and aimsPatients with cancer have increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) and bleeding. Inflammatory and cardiac biomarkers may predict these complications, but their role remains unclear. This study examined associations between two inflammatory-related markers (C-reactive protein and growth differentiation factor-15) and two cardiac markers [N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide and high-sensitivity troponin T (hs-TnT)] with VTE and clinically relevant bleeding in cancer patients.MethodsA post hoc analysis of the AVERT trial, which evaluated apixaban for VTE prevention in ambulatory cancer patients with a Khorana score of ≥2, was performed. Biomarkers were measured at baseline and 1 month, with C-reactive protein also at 3 months. Fine and Gray regression, accounting for competing risk of death and adjusted for age and advanced cancer, estimated subdistribution hazard ratios (SHRs) for VTE and clinically relevant bleeding.ResultsOf 574 patients, 514 provided baseline samples. One- and 3-month samples were available from 454 and 447, and 378 and 364, patients without prior VTE and bleeding events, respectively. Elevated baseline growth differentiation factor-15 was associated with increased VTE risk [SHR 1.36, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.01-1.84]. N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (SHR 1.44, 95% CI 1.08-1.92) and C-reactive protein (SHR 1.38, 95% CI 1.07-1.76) were linked to bleeding risk. Increasing high-sensitivity troponin T from baseline to 1 month was associated with higher VTE risk (SHR 1.89, 95% CI 1.14-3.16). Nomograms were developed to estimate VTE and clinically relevant bleeding risks.ConclusionsSelect inflammatory-related and cardiac markers were associated with VTE and bleeding risks in cancer patients, which can be determined using developed nomograms. Prospective research is needed to confirm these findings.
Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 41384379 · DOI · PMC13099213
Key reviews and meta-analyses
The most cited review-type papers among PubMed’s best-match results for this heading, listed with bibliographic details only. Follow the links for the full text and access terms.
- Research article COVID-19 and Venous Thromboembolism: A Meta-analysis of Literature Studies [4]
- Research article Venous thromboembolism in patients with COVID-19: Systematic review and meta-analysis [5]
- Research article Association of gestational diabetes mellitus with overall and type specific cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases: systematic review and meta-analysis [6]
- Research article Venous thromboembolism in COVID-19: A systematic review and meta-analysis [7]
- Research article Venous Thromboembolism Risk With JAK Inhibitors: A Meta-Analysis [8]
- Research article Comparing direct anterior approach versus posterior approach or lateral approach in total hip arthroplasty: a systematic review and meta-analysis [9]
References
- Zawadzka PS, Imiela AM, Pruszczyk P. The Interplay Between Obesity and Venous Thromboembolism: From Molecular Aspects to Clinical Issue. . 2025. PMID 41226331 · DOI · PMC12610251
- Ma R, Yu W, Tian J, Tang Y, Fang H, Ming X, et al.. Machine Learning in the Prediction of Venous Thromboembolism: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. . 2025. PMID 41433036 · DOI · PMC12724482
- Roy DC, Wang TF, Mallick R, Burger D, Carrier M, Wells P, et al.. Venous thromboembolism and bleeding in cancer patients: role of inflammatory and cardiac biomarkers. . 2026. PMID 41384379 · DOI · PMC13099213
- Di Minno A, Ambrosino P, Calcaterra I, Di Minno MND. COVID-19 and Venous Thromboembolism: A Meta-analysis of Literature Studies. Semin Thromb Hemost. 2020. PMID 32882719 · DOI · PMC7645842
- Porfidia A, Valeriani E, Pola R, Porreca E, Rutjes AWS, Di Nisio M. Venous thromboembolism in patients with COVID-19: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Thromb Res. 2020. PMID 32853978 · DOI · PMC7420982
- Xie W, Wang Y, Xiao S, Qiu L, Yu Y, Zhang Z. Association of gestational diabetes mellitus with overall and type specific cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases: systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ. 2022. PMID 36130740 · DOI · PMC9490552
- Kollias A, Kyriakoulis KG, Lagou S, Kontopantelis E, Stergiou GS, Syrigos K. Venous thromboembolism in COVID-19: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Vasc Med. 2021. PMID 33818197 · DOI · PMC8024143
- Yates M, Mootoo A, Adas M, Bechman K, Rampes S, Patel V, et al.. Venous Thromboembolism Risk With JAK Inhibitors: A Meta-Analysis. Arthritis Rheumatol. 2021. PMID 33174384 · DOI
- Ang JJM, Onggo JR, Stokes CM, Ambikaipalan A. Comparing direct anterior approach versus posterior approach or lateral approach in total hip arthroplasty: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur J Orthop Surg Traumatol. 2023. PMID 37010580 · DOI · PMC10504117
About this article
- Sources
- NLM Medical Subject Headings (definition, synonyms); NCBI PubMed (counts, identifiers); Europe PMC (open-access abstracts and citation counts).
- Verification
- Every reference was resolved against PubMed on 2026-10-31; title, year and DOI matched.
- Review state
- automated source verified; no human expert review has been recorded yet.
- Version
- 1, last updated 2026-10-29.
See how EvidenceLib is built. Spotted an error? Email support@evidencehelix.com.
Evidence strength
EvidenceHelix's computed view of the study designs behind this topic: how common meta-analyses, randomized trials and reviews are, how recent the literature is, and a plain-language reading. It describes the design mix of the literature. It is not a quality appraisal of any study, and it is not medical advice.