Treatment of pulmonary thromboembolism.
The epidemiology, diagnosis, treatment, and prophylaxis of PE are rapidly advancing. Our array of diagnostic imaging tools has expanded to include echocardiography and spiral chest CT with contrast. We have also gained a keen appreciation for the importance of risk stratification of our patients. The decision to administer thrombolysis or undertake embolectomy may now depend upon the presence of right ventricular dysfunction even if systemic arterial pressure is normal. Finally, the availability of low molecular weight heparins broadens our options for pharmacologic management.
Goldhaber
S Z
SZ
Department of Medicine Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA. sgoldhaber@partners.org
D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006493:Heparin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D011655:Pulmonary Embolism / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000401:mortality / Q000628:therapy*; D012770:Shock, Cardiogenic / Q000209:etiology; D015912:Thrombolytic Therapy; D018497:Ventricular Dysfunction, Right / Q000209:etiology; D014859:Warfarin / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000925:Anticoagulants; D014859:Warfarin; D006493:Heparin