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Acute pulmonary embolism presenting as seizures
1Department of Emergency Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, UK. as329@hotmail.com
Emergency Medicine Journal : EMJ
|March 25, 2009
Summary
Pulmonary embolism (PE) can be fatal and may present unusually, such as with seizures. Early diagnosis requires vigilance, especially in young, healthy individuals with respiratory symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Neurology
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality.
- Atypical presentations of PE can delay diagnosis and treatment.
- Seizures are an uncommon but possible manifestation of PE.
Observation:
- A young woman presented with new-onset seizures.
- Initial investigations did not immediately suggest PE.
- Post-mortem examination confirmed PE as the underlying cause.
Findings:
- The patient's seizures were a direct result of pulmonary embolism.
- This case highlights the diverse and sometimes misleading clinical presentations of PE.
- Diagnostic delays occurred due to the atypical initial symptoms.
Implications:
- Clinicians must consider PE in patients with unexplained respiratory compromise, even with atypical symptoms like seizures.
- Increased clinical vigilance is crucial for diagnosing PE in young, non-smoking individuals with normal respiratory history.
- Recognizing varied presentations of PE can improve patient outcomes and reduce mortality.
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