Clinical profile, diagnosis and management of patients presenting with symptomatic pulmonary embolism

To study the clinical profile and diagnostic methods in patients with symptomatic pulmonary embolism (PE).

Prospective assessment of clinical features, radiology and outcome of patients presenting with symptomatic PE over an 18-month period.

During study period, 24 patients with a mean age of 39 +/- 12.1 years were diagnosed to have symptomatic pulmonary embolism. Dyspnoea (91.7%) and cough (58.3%) were the predominant complaints. Spiral computed tomographic pulmonary angiography (CTPA) was performed in 21 (87.5%) patients and perfusion scans in 14 (58.4%) patients. Echocardiography performed in all patients revealed evidence of pulmonary artery hypertension and right ventricular dyskinesia in 20 (83.3%) and 15 (62.5%) patients, respectively. Thrombolysis with streptokinase was performed in 14 (58.3%) patients. All patients received low molecular weight heparin followed by warfarin. Of the 24 patients, 20 (83.3%) were discharged and are under regular follow-up; four patients died.

Pulmonary embolism is a common problem and can be easily diagnosed provided it is clinically suspected. Early diagnosis and aggressive management is the key to successful outcome.