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. 2013 Jan;3(1):69-72.
doi: 10.4103/2229-5151.109427.

Pulmonary embolism

Abigail K Tarbox  1 , Mamta Swaroop
Affiliations

Pulmonary embolism

Abigail K Tarbox et al. Int J Crit Illn Inj Sci. 2013 Jan.

Abstract

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is responsible for approximately 100,000 to 200,000 deaths in the United States each year. With a diverse range of clinical presentations from asymptomatic to death, diagnosing PE can be challenging. Various resources are available, such as clinical scoring systems, laboratory data, and imaging studies which help guide clinicians in their work-up of PE. Prompt recognition and treatment are essential for minimizing the mortality and morbidity associated with PE. Advances in recognition and treatment have also enabled treatment of some patients in the home setting and limited the amount of time spent in the hospital. This article will review the risk factors, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, evaluation, and treatment of PE.

Keywords: Pulmonary embolism; thrombosis; venous thromboembolism.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest: None declared.

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