Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the annual incidence of pulmonary embolism (PE) in the USA?
What is the annual incidence of pulmonary embolism (PE) in the USA?
- 1,000,000 cases per year
- 250,000 cases per year
- 500,000 cases per year (correct)
- 100,000 cases per year
Which of the following is NOT a recognized risk factor for pulmonary embolism?
Which of the following is NOT a recognized risk factor for pulmonary embolism?
- Post-surgery immobility
- Pregnancy and postpartum
- Chronic sleep apnea (correct)
- Congestive heart failure
In the pathophysiology of a massive pulmonary embolism, what primarily leads to right ventricular failure?
In the pathophysiology of a massive pulmonary embolism, what primarily leads to right ventricular failure?
- Increased left ventricular preload
- Decreased pulmonary vascular resistance
- Increased cardiac output
- Obstruction of right ventricular outflow (correct)
Which imaging method is commonly used for diagnosing pulmonary embolism?
Which imaging method is commonly used for diagnosing pulmonary embolism?
What type of blood thinner is commonly administered via intravenous or subcutaneous route for PE treatment?
What type of blood thinner is commonly administered via intravenous or subcutaneous route for PE treatment?
What symptom is typically associated with pulmonary embolism?
What symptom is typically associated with pulmonary embolism?
Which of the following pulmonary embolism treatments is classified as surgical?
Which of the following pulmonary embolism treatments is classified as surgical?
Which laboratory test is important for assessing clot presence in suspected pulmonary embolism cases?
Which laboratory test is important for assessing clot presence in suspected pulmonary embolism cases?
Flashcards
Pulmonary Embolism (PE)
Pulmonary Embolism (PE)
A blood clot that travels from the legs or pelvis to the lungs, blocking blood flow and causing a serious medical emergency.
Massive PE
Massive PE
A significant blockage of the pulmonary artery causing a sharp rise in pressure in the right ventricle, leading to heart failure.
Thrombophilia
Thrombophilia
Refers to a condition where the blood is more likely to clot, increasing the risk of developing blood clots.
Risk Factors for PE
Risk Factors for PE
Signup and view all the flashcards
Symptoms of PE
Symptoms of PE
Signup and view all the flashcards
CT Pulmonary Angiography
CT Pulmonary Angiography
Signup and view all the flashcards
Anticoagulation for PE
Anticoagulation for PE
Signup and view all the flashcards
Vein Filter
Vein Filter
Signup and view all the flashcards
Study Notes
Pulmonary Embolism
- Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a condition where a blood clot blocks a pulmonary artery in the lungs.
- 50,000 individuals die from PE each year in the USA.
- The incidence of PE in the USA is 500,000 per year.
Objectives
- Prevalence
- Risk Factors
- Clinical Features
- Pathophysiology
- Diagnostic Workup
- Treatment
Risk Factors
- General anesthesia
- Lower limb or pelvic injury/surgery
- Congestive heart failure
- Prolonged immobility
- Pregnancy and postpartum
- Oral contraceptives
- Malignancy
- Thrombophilia
- Prior DVT/PE
Clinical Features
Symptoms
- Sudden onset dyspnea
- Pleuritic chest pain
- Syncope
- Hemoptysis
- Palpitations
- Lower limb swelling/pain
Signs
- Tachypnea
- Tachycardia
- Cyanosis
- Hypotension
- Fever
- DVT signs (swelling, tenderness, redness)
Pathophysiology
- Thromboembolism: Blood clots originate from deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Possible sources of clots are in lower limb veins, pelvic veins, abdominal veins, and upper limb veins.
- Fat embolism: Can arise from broken long bones.
- Tumor embolism
- Air embolism Often caused by iatrogenic (medical) procedures or suicidal behavior.
- Amniotic fluid embolism: Rare, occurs from pregnancy complications.
- Pathophysiology of massive PE: Increased pulmonary vascular resistance, right ventricular outflow obstruction. leading to increased RV pressure, RV failure, decreased left ventricular preload, and reduced cardiac output.
Diagnosis
- Bedside: ECG, blood pressure
- Blood tests: CBC, coagulation profile, renal and liver profile, D-dimer, Cardiac enzymes (troponin), ABG, thrombophilia screen
- Imaging: CXR, CT pulmonary angiogram, V/Q scan, echocardiogram (echo), US Doppler
Treatment
Medical
- General supportive management
- Blood thinners (anticoagulation): Heparin IV/SC, Warfarin, DOAC
- Clot dissolvers (thrombolytics): Higher risk of bleeding
Surgical/Interventional Radiology
- Vein filter
- Catheter-directed thrombectomy
- Embolectomy
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
