Leukocytosis in acute pulmonary embolism

Area of Science:

• Pulmonary Medicine
• Hematology

Background:

• Limited data exist on leukocytosis prevalence in acute pulmonary embolism (PE).
• Associated conditions often cause leukocytosis, masking PE-related changes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the prevalence of leukocytosis in patients diagnosed with acute pulmonary embolism (PE).

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 386 hospital records for acute PE patients.
• Exclusion of patients with other identifiable causes of leukocytosis.
• PE diagnosis confirmed via ventilation/perfusion lung scan or pulmonary angiogram.

Main Results:

• Among 266 PE patients without other causes for leukocytosis, 20% (52/266) had a white blood cell (WBC) count > 10,000/mm³.
• No patients exhibited a WBC count ≥ 20,000/mm³.
• Pulmonary hemorrhage/infarction syndrome did not significantly correlate with increased WBC counts.

Conclusions:

• A modest leukocytosis may be associated with, and potentially caused by, acute PE.
• The presence of leukocytosis should not impede the diagnostic pursuit of PE.