Pulmonary emboli. Prevention, diagnosis, and treatment

Pulmonary embolism is responsible for 50,000 deaths each year. A high diagnostic index of suspicion is necessary if the diagnosis of embolism is to be made prior to death since the classic triad of chest pain, dyspnea, and hemoptysis occurs infrequently. Preventive measures including preoperative anticoagulation will reduce the incidence of trombus formation. Treatment depends on early recognition, rapid anticoagulation, and, in selected cases, partial occlusion of the vena cava.