Heart & Cardiovascular
Pulmonary Embolism
About Pulmonary Embolism
A pulmonary embolism (PE) is a sudden blockage in a lung artery, most often caused by a blood clot that travels to the lungs from a vein in the leg or, rarely, other parts of the body. This blockage can disrupt blood flow to a portion of the lung.
Common Symptoms
- Sudden shortness of breath
- Chest pain that may worsen with deep breathing, coughing, eating, or bending
- Coughing, potentially with blood-streaked sputum
- Rapid heart rate
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Sweating
- Fever
- Leg pain or swelling (often in one leg), which may indicate a deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
Diagnosis
Diagnosis typically involves a review of symptoms and medical history, followed by imaging tests. A CT pulmonary angiography (CTPA) is a common diagnostic tool, and other tests like a ventilation-perfusion (VQ) scan, D-dimer blood test, or ultrasound of the legs may also be utilized.
Causes
Pulmonary emboli are most commonly caused by deep vein thrombosis (DVT), where a blood clot forms in a deep vein, often in the leg, and then breaks off and travels to the lungs. Factors that increase the risk of blood clot formation include prolonged immobility, certain medical conditions, surgery, and some medications.
Treatment Overview
Conventional treatment for pulmonary embolism often involves medications such as anticoagulants (blood thinners) to prevent the clot from growing and to reduce the risk of new clots. In some instances, clot-dissolving medications (thrombolytics) or procedures to remove the clot or place a filter in a large vein may be considered. Complementary approaches are not typically used as primary treatments for an acute pulmonary embolism, and any such approaches should be discussed with a healthcare provider and used only as adjuncts to conventional medical care.
Prognosis & Outlook
The prognosis for pulmonary embolism can vary depending on factors such as the size of the clot, the individual's overall health, and how quickly treatment is initiated. With timely and appropriate medical care, many individuals experience recovery, though ongoing management may be necessary to prevent recurrence.
Types & Variants
Massive PE
A large clot that causes a severe drop in blood pressure (hypotension) and shock. This is the most serious and life-threatening type.
Submassive PE
A clot that does not cause low blood pressure but puts significant strain on the right side of the heart, which can be seen on imaging tests.
Saddle PE
A large clot that gets stuck at the main branching point of the pulmonary artery, blocking blood flow to both lungs.
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