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Review
. 2021 Sep 1;27(5):335-341.
doi: 10.1097/MCP.0000000000000789.

Postpulmonary embolism syndrome

Kimberly D Fabyan  1 , Aaron B Holley
Affiliations
Review

Postpulmonary embolism syndrome

Kimberly D Fabyan et al. Curr Opin Pulm Med. .

Abstract

Purpose of review: It is now recognized that more than half of patients with acute pulmonary embolism (APE) will have persistent symptoms beyond 3 months after their initial event. Persistent symptoms are referred to as post-PE syndrome, an umbrella term that covers a spectrum of patient complaints and underlying pathologies. Data published over the last 5 years have added significantly to our understanding of this syndrome and its management.

Recent findings: Underlying pathologies linked to post-PE syndrome include chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH), chronic thromboembolic disease (CTED), cardiac dysfunction, and deconditioning. Treatment for post-PE syndrome will depend on the underlying causative pathologies found. Evaluation and treatment for CTEPH is well defined, but less than 10% of patients with post-PE syndrome will qualify as having this diagnosis.

Summary: A large percentage of patients will experience post-PE syndrome following APE. Strategies for identification and treatment for some pathologies are well studied, but the majority of patients will have subtle abnormalities on imaging and functional testing for which diagnostic criteria and management are not well defined. A number of active studies are designed to help optimize the management of post-PE syndrome and should help us improve intermediate and long-term outcomes for patients following APE.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03405480 NCT04615130 NCT02555137.

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References

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    1. Dzikowska-Diduch O, Kostrubiec M, Kurnicka K, et al. The postpulmonary syndrome - results of echocardiographic driven follow up after acute pulmonary embolism’. Thromb Res 2020; 186:30–35.
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    1. Klok FA, van Kralingen KW, van Dijk AP, et al. Prevalence and potential determinants of exertional dyspnea after acute pulmonary embolism. Respir Med 2010; 104:1744–1749.

Associated data