Study of clinical profile and management of patients with pulmonary embolism - single center study

To study the clinical profile, diagnostic methods and management in patients with symptomatic pulmonary embolism (PE).

Retrospective assessment of clinical features and management of patients presenting with symptomatic pulmonary embolism from January 2005 to March 2012.

35 patients who were newly diagnosed to have pulmonary embolism with a mean age of 52.1 years were included in the study. Dyspnea (91.4%) and syncope (22.8%) were the predominant symptoms. Echocardiography was done in all patients. 30 patients (85.7%) had pulmonary arterial hypertension, 31 patients (88.5%) had evidence of RV dysfunction and 4 patients (16.7%) had evidence of thrombus in PA, RV. Out of 35 patients, 34 patients (97.14%) showed positive d-dimer reports. Among 35 patients, 24 (68.5%) had positive troponin values. V/Q scan was done in 14 patients (40%) and CT pulmonary angiogram (CTPA) was done in 24 patients (68.5%.). Thrombolysis was done is 24 patients (68.5%). All patients received low molecular weight heparin followed by warfarin. Of the 35 patients, 34 (97.1%) were discharged and were under regular follow up for 6 months and one patient died during the hospital stay.

Pulmonary embolism is a common problem and can be easily diagnosed provided it is clinically suspected. Early diagnosis and aggressive management is the key to successful outcome.