A challenging case of thromboembolism

Despite advances in prophylaxis, diagnosis, and treatment, thromboembolic disease remains a significant cause of perioperative morbidity and mortality. The case report presented here highlights the clinical controversies associated with thromboembolism that developed suddenly and dramatically in a patient who underwent routine joint replacement. The take- home points that can be derived from this case are by no means limited to patients undergoing surgery and, in fact, are applicable to a variety of clinical settings.