Pulmonary embolism: a practical approach
Keywords:
pulmonary embolism, diagnosis, treatment, thrombolysisAbstract
Introduction: Pulmonary embolism is a common disease, with a high mortality rate and a difficult diagnosis. Recently, new data has emerged concerning its diagnosis and therapy.
Objectives: The authors reviewed the state of the art of this pathology and incorporated the new data in a practical approach to the diagnosis and treatment, in the emergency room and ward.
Results and Conclusions: The diagnosis of pulmonary embolism in the emergency room should start with the clinicai picture, which is extremely sensitive, although not specific. The confirmation of the diagnosis rests on blood and radiological tests, some of which are possible to perform in the emergency room, but often are only completed on the ward. Anticoagulation should start immediately, in the emergency room and before confirmation of the diagnosis. Thrombolysis, when indicated, diminishes mortality and morbidity.
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