Which of the following is the most common complication of venous thromboembolism?

Pulmonary embolism is recognized as the most common complication of venous thromboembolism (VTE), which encompasses conditions such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism itself. When a thrombus forms in the deep veins, particularly in the legs, pieces of the clot can dislodge and travel to the lungs, leading to a blockage in the pulmonary arteries. This blockage can significantly impair blood flow, which can be life-threatening.

The severity of pulmonary embolism stems from its potential to cause a range of symptoms, including sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, and even collapse or death in severe cases. It is crucial to monitor patients with VTE for the development of pulmonary embolism due to its high incidence rate and serious consequences.

In contrast, while stroke and myocardial infarction are critical cardiovascular events, they are not direct complications of venous thromboembolism. Stroke is typically related to arterial occlusions, whereas myocardial infarction results from coronary artery disease. Peripheral neuropathy also is unrelated, as it commonly arises from different causes such as diabetes or trauma, rather than being a consequence of venous thromboembolism.