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Related Concept Videos

Pulmonary Embolism I: Introduction01:29

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: Introduction01:19

Pulmonary Embolism I: Introduction

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...
Pulmonary Embolism III: Nursing Management01:27

Pulmonary Embolism III: Nursing Management

A pulmonary embolism occurs when a thrombus, amniotic fluid, tumor tissue, fat, or air embolus blocks one or more pulmonary arteries. Effective nursing management and patient education are crucial for improving outcomes and preventing recurrence.Nursing management starts with obtaining a comprehensive patient history, particularly noting any history of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Assess for clinical manifestations, including dyspnea, chest pain, crackles, heart murmurs, and signs of right-sided...
Pulmonary Embolism II: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care01:29

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...
Pneumothorax-I01:26

Pneumothorax-I

A pneumothorax is a condition where air builds up in the space between the lung and the chest wall, causing the lung to collapse. This condition arises when air enters the space between the parietal and visceral pleura, disrupting the negative pressure essential for lung inflation. This can lead to a partial or complete collapse of the lung.
Pneumothorax can be even further classified as spontaneous, traumatic, and tension pneumothorax.
Pneumonia I: Introduction01:29

Pneumonia I: Introduction

Pneumonia is an infection of the lower respiratory tract that leads to inflammation of the lung parenchyma, often resulting in the accumulation of inflammatory exudate in the alveoli and airways. Unlike the watery, low-protein fluid exudate in pulmonary edema, the exudate in this case is a thick fluid rich in immune cells, proteins, and debris produced during infection and inflammation.This impairs gas exchange and can lead to consolidation of lung tissue. The infection may be caused by a...

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Updated: May 23, 2026

A Porcine Model of Acute Autologous Pulmonary Embolism
07:44

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Published on: September 6, 2024

Pulmonary embolism.

David W Ouellette1, Catherine Patocka

  • 1Department of Medicine, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada. douellettemd@gmail.com

Emergency Medicine Clinics of North America
|April 11, 2012
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a complex emergency department diagnosis presenting with diverse symptoms. This review focuses on accurate pretest probability assessment, diagnostic strategies, and management, including special cases.

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Area of Science:

  • Emergency Medicine
  • Cardiology
  • Pulmonology

Background:

  • Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a significant diagnostic challenge in emergency departments.
  • PE presents with varied symptoms, including chest pain and dyspnea, making diagnosis difficult.
  • No single clinical feature, lab test, or imaging modality can definitively rule out PE.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the diagnosis and management of pulmonary embolism in the emergency department.
  • To highlight the importance of pretest probability assessment.
  • To discuss special considerations for PE in pregnancy and radiation exposure.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of pulmonary embolism diagnosis and management.
  • Emphasis on clinical decision-making tools for pretest probability.
  • Discussion of imaging modalities and treatment strategies.

Main Results:

  • Accurate pretest probability determination is crucial for efficient PE diagnosis.
  • A systematic approach combining clinical assessment and diagnostic tests improves diagnostic accuracy.
  • Management strategies should be tailored to individual patient risk and clinical presentation.

Conclusions:

  • Effective management of pulmonary embolism in the emergency department requires a structured approach.
  • Integrating pretest probability, diagnostic workup, and tailored treatment is key.
  • Special populations, such as pregnant patients, require specific management considerations.