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Pulmonary Embolism I: Introduction

Pulmonary Embolism I: Introduction

Pulmonary embolism (PE) occurs when a thrombus, fat or air embolus, amniotic fluid, or tumor tissue blocks one or more pulmonary arteries. These blockages originate in the venous system or the right side of the heart.EtiologyPE primarily arises from deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and other hypercoagulable states, such as inherited thrombophilias. Additional etiological factors include venous stasis, commonly seen in obesity, and endothelial injury from surgery and trauma. Less common causes include...

Pulmonary Embolism I: Introduction

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A blood clot, or thrombus, is a semi-solid mass composed of fibrin, platelets, and red blood cells. When it forms within a vessel, it can obstruct blood flow, known as thrombosis. If part of the clot detaches, it becomes an embolus that can travel and block distant vessels. When this occurs in the pulmonary arteries, it causes a condition known as pulmonary embolism (PE).Origin and ImpactMost often, the embolus originates from a thrombus in the deep veins of the lower limbs, a condition called...

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Pulmonary Embolism II: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care

Diagnosing Pulmonary EmbolismDiagnosing pulmonary embolism (PE) involves clinical assessment and advanced imaging tests. The preferred diagnostic tool is the spiral (helical) CT scan or CT angiography (CTA), which uses intravenous contrast media to visualize the pulmonary vasculature and identify emboli.A ventilation-perfusion (V/Q) scan is an alternative for patients unable to receive contrast media. This scan includes both perfusion and ventilation scanning. Perfusion scanning involves...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 2, 2026

Spinal Hernia Repair and Cauda Equina Repositioning After Lumbar Decompression under Three-Dimensional Microscopy: A Case Report and Literature Review

Spinal Hernia Repair and Cauda Equina Repositioning After Lumbar Decompression under Three-Dimensional Microscopy: A Case Report and Literature Review

Published on: November 8, 2024

Cauda equina syndrome versus saddle embolism.

A Shaw¹, H Anwar, J Targett

¹Department of Orthopaedics and Vascular Surgery, Basildon Hospital, Basildon, Essex, UK. alexander.shaw@doctors.org.uk

Annals of the Royal College of Surgeons of England

|September 4, 2008

Summary

A rare saddle embolus mimicked cauda equina syndrome in an elderly woman, presenting diagnostic challenges. This case underscores the need for high suspicion of vascular causes for back and leg pain.

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jul 2, 2026

Spinal Hernia Repair and Cauda Equina Repositioning After Lumbar Decompression under Three-Dimensional Microscopy: A Case Report and Literature Review

Spinal Hernia Repair and Cauda Equina Repositioning After Lumbar Decompression under Three-Dimensional Microscopy: A Case Report and Literature Review

Published on: November 8, 2024

Area of Science:

Vascular Surgery
Neurology
Diagnostic Imaging

Background:

Saddle embolism is a rare but critical vascular condition.
It can present with symptoms mimicking neurological disorders like cauda equina syndrome.
Ischaemic heart disease is a relevant comorbidity.

Observation:

A 79-year-old female patient with a history of ischaemic heart disease presented with symptoms similar to cauda equina syndrome.
The clinical presentation posed diagnostic challenges due to multiple comorbidities.
The patient's symptoms included severe back and leg pain.

Findings:

The underlying cause was identified as a saddle embolus.
This highlights the diverse and sometimes obscure origins of back and leg pain.
Diagnostic difficulties are amplified in patients with complex medical histories.

Implications:

A high index of suspicion for vascular conditions is crucial in patients presenting with arterial dysfunction and back pain.
Early recognition and diagnosis of saddle embolism are vital for timely intervention.
This case emphasizes the importance of considering vascular etiologies in patients with unexplained neurological-like symptoms.