**15. Low risk pulmonary embolism**

The mainstay of treatment for low risk PE is prompt initiation of anticoagulation. Importantly, if there is a high clinical suspicion for PE, anticoagulation should be initiated prior to confir‐ mation of the diagnosis (Tapson 2012). The 2012 American College of Chest Physicians Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guidelines (Kearon 2012) for Venous Thromboembolism (VTE) recommend parenteral anticoagulants or oral factor Xa inhibition with rivaroxaban as the initial therapy for PE. Low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) or fondaparinux is endorsed over IV unfractionated heparin or subcutaneous unfractionated heparin. If there are no contraindications to anticoagulation, treatment is recommended for at least 3 months after acute PE with a more prolonged course when indicated (Kearon 2012).
