[Personal experience in the diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary embolism]

The 188 patients with pulmonary embolism were treated at the Clinic for Pulmonary Diseases of the M.M.A. in the period 1979-1989. Clinical symptoms and signs, diagnostic procedures and therapy of pulmonary embolism are analysed. The diagnosis is difficult and is suggested by the predisposing factors, symptoms and signs of the disease as well as indirect diagnostic procedures. The contribution of perfusion lung scintigraphy is precious. Deep venous thrombosis of the lower extremities, the source of pulmonary embolism, is commonly clinically absent. The complete cure without complications was achieved in 156 (83%) patients. The most common complications were: early and late recurrences, hematuria and peptic bleeding. The lethal outcome occurred in two cases of basic disseminated malignant disease.