Pulmonary embolism. Strategy for evaluation and treatment of patients at increased risk.
Pulmonary embolism is a common clinical problem, particularly in hospitalized patients. Its recognition is difficult because no single sign, symptom, or laboratory test is diagnostic for its presence. A high index of suspicion must be maintained for predisposed patients. The diagnostic algorithm presented here suggests an approach to definitive assessment. Anticoagulation, the management of choice, is highly effective in reducing thromboembolic deaths and in preventing recurrent pulmonary embolism. Low-dose anticoagulant therapy may also be preventive.
Wenger
N K
NK
Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30303.
D000465:Algorithms; D000792:Angiography; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004562:Electrocardiography; D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006493:Heparin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D011651:Pulmonary Artery / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D011655:Pulmonary Embolism / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000628:therapy*; D012008:Recurrence; D014859:Warfarin / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000925:Anticoagulants; D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents; D014859:Warfarin; D006493:Heparin