Massive pulmonary embolism

Massive pulmonary embolism (PE) is a potentially lethal condition, with death usually caused by right ventricular (RV) failure and cardiogenic shock. Systemic thrombolysis (unless contraindicated) is recommended as the first-line treatment of massive PE to decrease the thromboembolic burden on the RV and increase pulmonary perfusion. Surgical pulmonary embolectomy or catheter-directed thrombectomy should be considered in patients with contraindications to fibrinolysis, or those with persistent hemodynamic compromise or RV dysfunction despite fibrinolytic therapy. Critical care management predominantly involves supporting the RV, by optimizing preload, RV contractility, and coronary perfusion pressure and minimizing afterload. Despite these interventions, mortality remains high.