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Cancer-associated pulmonary embolism — SCE Respiratory MCQ

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HardPulmonary Vascular DiseaseCancer-associated pulmonary embolismSCE Respiratory

A 72-year-old woman with confirmed PE is haemodynamically stable. She has active metastatic pancreatic cancer, eGFR 55 mL/min/1.73 m2 and no bleeding. What is the most appropriate anticoagulation strategy?

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Correct answer: D — Therapeutic cancer-associated anticoagulation

Active cancer-associated PE requires therapeutic anticoagulation, using LMWH or an appropriate DOAC after reviewing bleeding risk and interactions. Aspirin is inadequate treatment for PE. Thrombolysis is reserved for high-risk PE with haemodynamic compromise, not stable cancer-associated PE.

Reference: NICE NG158; BNF Anticoagulants: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng122