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Recurrences of venous thromboembolism (VTE), which occur in as many as 10% of patients with previously unprovoked thromboses, are often difficult to differentiate from residual clots. However, distinguishing between the two conditions is critical because diagnoses of recurrent VTE imply commitment to life-long anticoagulation. Moreover, when recurrent VTE is diagnosed in a patient who is already receiving anticoagulant therapy, the clinician is faced with a therapeutic dilemma: Should the anticoagulant drug dose be increased, should a different anticoagulant be prescribed, or should an inferior vena cava filter be inserted? Two recent studies provide evidence-based data to assist in diagnosing recurrent VTE and in managing patients with the…