Acute pulmonary embolism.
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and, therefore, pulmonary embolism (PE) are often preventable. Because of the lack of specificity of symptoms and signs, DVT and PE are frequently clinically unsuspected, leading to substantial diagnostic and therapeutic delays and resulting in considerable morbidity and mortality. Furthermore, prophylaxis continues to be dramatically underused. The incidence of venous thromboembolism is high in hospitalized patients, and both surgical as well as medical patients are at risk.
Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, 353 Bell Building, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA. tapso001.@mc.duke.edu
Victor F
VF
Tapson
D000208:Acute Disease; D006801:Humans; D011379:Prognosis; D011655:Pulmonary Embolism / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*