title: Utilization of bedside ultrasound in the diagnosis and management of massive pulmonary embolism: a case report.
abstract: The prompt diagnosis and treatment of massive pulmonary embolism is a well-known challenge for physicians. We report a case of a 61-year-old hemodynamically unstable man who presented to the emergency department with complaints of acute dyspnea. After performing a focused history and physical, we used bedside ultrasound to diagnose significant right heart strain, which suggested massive bilateral pulmonary embolisms. This diagnosis was further supported by the visualization of deep venous thrombosis in the left lower extremity. The patient was treated with IV tissue plasminogen activator in the emergency department and survived to discharge in his usual state of health.
authors.affiliation: Department of Emergency Medicine, Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network/USF MCOM, CC & I-78, Allentown, PA 18103.
authors.forename: Osman Z
authors.initials: OZ
authors.lastname: Abbasi
authors.affiliation: Department of Emergency Medicine, Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network/USF MCOM, CC & I-78, Allentown, PA 18103.
authors.forename: Thanhnga T
authors.initials: TT
authors.lastname: Doan
authors.affiliation: Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network/USF MCOM, Allentown, PA.
authors.forename: Sumit
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Duggal
authors.affiliation: Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network/USF MCOM, Allentown, PA.
authors.forename: Sanjeev U
authors.initials: SU
authors.lastname: Nair
authors.affiliation: Department of Emergency Medicine, Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network/USF MCOM, CC & I-78, Allentown, PA 18103.
authors.forename: Shawn M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Quinn
keywords: Massive pulmonary embolism; Ultrasound