Pulmonary Embolism

Definition :
Pulmonary embolism is a common and potentially lethal condition. Most patients who succumb to
pulmonary embolism do so within the first few hours of the event. Despite diagnostic advances, delays
in pulmonary embolism diagnosis are common and represent an important issue.

As a cause of sudden
death, massive pulmonary embolism is second only tosudden cardiac death.
Epidemiology :
After stroke
Male sex
History of DVT
Obesity
Smoking
Trauma
Pathogenesis :
Formation of clot in Deep Veins, Ususally in leg (distal) becoming initiation.
Clots migrate to Pulmonary Vasculature, Most of clots lodge in pulmonary arteriole causing
anatomic obstruction.
Then vasoconstriction released to increased vascular resistance (serotonin, thrombin, etc.).
these leas to elevated pulmo pressure and ventilation perfusion (P-HTN can cause right sided
heart failure).
Vascular blockade and loss of gas exchange surface occurs.
Symptom :
Dyspnea, tachypnea
Chest pain
Tachycardia
Cyanosis
Hemoptysis
Treatment :
Anti coagulation (Heparin)
Hemodynamic Instability
Embolectomy