[Pulmonary embolism: an analysis of 25 patients]

We reported 25 cases of patients with pulmonary embolism (PE) definitely diagnosed in our hospital from 1983 to 1990. Twenty-one cases of them were found in the last 5 years. This indicated that the discovery rate had increased obviously. Five of these patients were confirmed by autopsy, the other twenty cases were diagnosed by clinical manifestations combined with perfusion-inspiration lung scans and chest roentgenogram. Due to the prompt diagnosis and the appropriate use of anticoagulants, 72% of the patients survived after treatment. We suggest that all the patients with suspected PE should take perfusion-inspiration lung scans, because this is a noninvasive and reliable method. Digital subtraction angiography is necessary for some patients. Routine chest radiography, arterial blood gas analysis, intrapulmonary shunt test, deep venography or nuclide scan of lower extremities are also useful methods for the diagnosis of PE.