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Massive Pulmonary Embolism Masked as Asthma Exacerbation
Nadia Yar1, Eric Tran2, Lorraine Mukona2
1Medical School, Chino Valley Medical Center, Chino, USA.
Cureus
|March 14, 2025
Summary
This case report highlights a challenging pulmonary embolism (PE) diagnosis in a patient with altered mental status and respiratory distress. Early recognition and prompt treatment are crucial for improving outcomes in suspected PE cases.
Area of Science:
- Emergency Medicine
- Cardiology
- Pulmonology
Background:
- A 41-year-old male with no prior medical history presented with altered mental status and shortness of breath.
- The patient self-medicated with an inhaler for wheezing without relief, necessitating emergency medical services (EMS) transport.
Observation:
- Upon arrival at the emergency department (ED), the patient exhibited signs suggestive of pulmonary embolism (PE).
- Despite these signs, PE was not the initial leading diagnosis considered by the medical team.
Findings:
- The patient required intubation due to severe respiratory acidosis, indicating critical respiratory compromise.
- The case illustrates diagnostic challenges in the early recognition of pulmonary embolism.
Implications:
- This case emphasizes the critical need for heightened clinical suspicion for PE in patients presenting with respiratory distress and altered mental status.
- Prompt diagnosis and appropriate management of pulmonary embolism are vital for enhancing patient prognosis and survival rates.
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