Pulmonary embolism: A brief review

Abstract

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is characterized as pulmonary artery obstruction caused by a thrombotic embolus the usual clinical presence of acute PE involves a patient with a sudden onset of dyspnea and pleuritic chest pain at breathing, while blood coughing (hemoptysis), signs of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and even collapse are less prevalent. PE is classified as PE which is massive, sub-massive and low risk. PE is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality among the patients who are hospitalized. When venous clot is dislodged from the place where it was actually formed, the clot then proceeds towards a vessel of pulmonary circulation leading to pulmonary embolism. Many factors affect pulmonary embolism such as prolonged immobility, advanced age, postoperative time, post-infarction period, heart failure, obesity, pregnancy, etc. Treatment mainly involves anti-coagulants. This brief review summarizes the pathophysiology, risk factors and treatment, management and supportive measures involved in Pulmonary embolism.