title: Pulmonary embolism.
abstract: Pulmonary embolism is a commonly suspected but underdiagnosed condition of clinical significance. Preventable deaths continue to occur. We begin this article with an overview of prognosis, clinical evidence, signs and symptoms, and risk factors, followed by an in-depth evaluation of diagnostic techniques and treatment modalities. The greatest improvement in mortality from pulmonary embolism is likely to come from improved and aggressive prevention and prophylaxis by the critical care team.
authors.affiliation: West Suburban Hospital Medical Center, 1 Erie Court, Suite 3000, Oak Park, IL 60302, USA. tcardin@comcast.net
authors.forename: Tracy
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Cardin
authors.forename: Anthony
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Marinelli
mesh_terms: D017677:Age Distribution; D003422:Critical Care / Q000379:methods*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D017128:Embolectomy; D005338:Fibrin Fibrinogen Degradation Products / Q000378:metabolism; D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007103:Immobilization / Q000009:adverse effects; D020097:Natriuretic Peptide, Brain / Q000097:blood; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000150:complications; D009765:Obesity / Q000150:complications; D018579:Patient Selection; D011322:Primary Prevention; D011379:Prognosis; D011655:Pulmonary Embolism / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D012307:Risk Factors; D013514:Surgical Procedures, Operative / Q000009:adverse effects; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014692:Ventilation-Perfusion Ratio
chemical_list: D005338:Fibrin Fibrinogen Degradation Products; D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents; C036309:fibrin fragment D; D020097:Natriuretic Peptide, Brain