Pulmonary embolism, most commonly originating from deep venousthrombosis of the legs, ranges from asymptomatic, incidentallydiscovered emboli to massive embolism causing immediate death.Chronic sequelae of venous thromboembolism (deep venous thrombosisand pulmonary embolism) include the post-thrombotic syndrome1and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension.2 Acute pulmonaryembolism may occur rapidly and unpredictably and may be difficultto diagnose. Treatment can reduce the risk of death, and appropriateprimary prophylaxis is usually effective. Patients treated foracute pulmonary embolism appear to be almost four times as likelyto die of recurrent thromboembolism in the next year as patientstreated for deep . . . [Full Text of this Article]
Epidemiology and Pathophysiology
Risk Factors
Acquired Risk Factors
Genetic Disorders and Thromboembolic Risk
Diagnostic Approaches
Clinical Manifestations
Preliminary Laboratory Testing and Pretest Probability
Imaging Studies
Treatment
Anticoagulation
Placement of a Vena Caval Filter
Treatment of Massive Pulmonary Embolism
Complications of Thrombolytic Therapy
Prognosis
Prevention
Pregnancy and Acute Pulmonary Embolism
Conclusions
Source Information
From the Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC.
Address reprint requests to Dr. Tapson at the Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Rm 351, Bell Bldg, Box 31175, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, 27710, or at tapso001@mc.duke.edu.
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Acute Pulmonary Embolism
Fraser E. P., Geddes C. C., Alijotas-Reig J., Castiglione T. F., Naina H. V., Quevedo F. J., Tapson V. F.
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N Engl J Med 2008;
358:2744-2746, Jun 19, 2008.
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