Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a potentially life-threatening blockage in the arteries of the lungs. This lesson explains what PE is, how it commonly develops, and how its symptoms and signs vary with clot size and location.
A pulmonary embolism occurs when material traveling through the bloodstream blocks an artery in the lungs. Most often, the material is a blood clot that formed in a deep vein of the leg and then traveled to the pulmonary circulation. Less commonly, an embolus may consist of air, fat, or amniotic fluid.
All flashcards
What is a pulmonary embolism?
A blockage in a pulmonary artery caused by material that has traveled through the bloodstream, most often a blood clot.
What does VTE mean?
Venous thromboembolism, the term for the related conditions deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism.
What is pleuritic chest pain?
Chest pain that is worsened by breathing, often because the pleura or nearby lung tissue is affected.
How can a severe PE cause shock?
Obstruction of pulmonary blood flow can reduce blood reaching the left side of the heart, lowering systemic blood pressure and causing obstructive shock.
How can small and large PEs differ in presentation?
Small peripheral PEs may cause localized pleuritic pain with little oxygen or circulatory disturbance. Large central PEs are more likely to cause dyspnea, hypoxia, tachycardia, hypotension, or fainting.
Quiz questions
In which situation is the PERC rule intended to help clinicians avoid further PE testing?Answer: When PE likelihood is already low and none of the rule's criteria are present.
What is the main purpose of anticoagulation in treating most pulmonary emboli?Answer: To limit clot growth and recurrence while the body gradually breaks down the existing clot.
For which PE presentation is thrombolysis generally reserved?Answer: Severe PE with hemodynamic instability, if major contraindications are absent.
When may an inferior vena cava filter be considered for a patient with PE?Answer: When anticoagulation cannot be used or, in selected cases, PE occurs despite it.
When may a ventilation/perfusion scan be useful in evaluating suspected PE?Answer: When iodinated contrast is unsuitable, depending on the clinical situation.
Based on the Wikipedia article Pulmonary embolism, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Adapted into a summary, flashcards and quizzes.