Pulmonary Embolism

Overview

Pulmonary embolism is a condition where the emboli travels to the arteries in the lung and lodged in it causing block in blood flow. Usually the emboli originates from the deep venous system of the lower limbs.

Signs and Symptoms

Shortness of breath , Chest pain , Cough , Leg pain or swelling , Clammy or discolored skin (cyanosis) , Fever , Excessive sweating , Rapid or irregular heartbeat , Lightheadedness or dizziness

Common Causes

Endothelial injury , Stasis or turbulence of blood flow , Blood hypercoagulability

Risk Factors

Surgery , Prolonged immobility , Smoking , Heart disease , Being overweight , Supplemental estrogen , Pregnancy

Investigation Techniques

Blood tests (D- dimer) , Chest X-ray , Compression ultrasonography , Pulmonary angiogram , MRI

Treatment and Prevention

Blood thinners (anticoagulants), Clot dissolvers (thrombolytics), Embolectomy, Vena Cava Filters, Supportive Care (Compression stockings)