Assessment of adherence to acute pulmonary embolism management guidelines: a single-centre registry

Pulmonary embolism (PE) remains a complex clinical challenge with significant morbidity and mortality. Despite significant advancements in diagnosis and management, as well as the availability of recent guidelines, disparities in their implementation persist due to socioeconomic factors and other barriers. The study aims to assess the degree of implementation of guidelines in the diagnosis and management of PE.

Among 8,648 patients presenting to the National Heart Institute emergency department, 200 were diagnosed with acute PE, accounting for 2.3% of ED visits during the study period. The mean age was 56.7 ± 9.8 years, with 58% being female. Dyspnea was the most common symptom, occurring in 64% of cases, while bed rest for > 3 days was the most frequent risk factor (32%). Computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA) confirmed PE in 95.5% of cases. Risk stratification classified 80% as low to intermediate-low risk, 13% as intermediate-high risk, and 6% as high-risk. Unfractionated heparin monotherapy was initiated in 63% of patients, while only 8.5% were discharged on direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs). Mortality was 3%, including 1% due to life-threatening bleeding. There was notable overuse of D-dimer testing, underutilization of ventilation-perfusion (V/Q) scans, limited prescription of DOACs, and absence of interventional therapies in eligible patients.

This study highlights critical gaps in adherence to PE management guidelines, influenced by physician discretion, socioeconomic constraints, and diagnostic inconsistencies. Strengthening outpatient care pathways, refining risk stratification practices, and ensuring consistent guideline implementation are key priorities to optimize outcomes.