Echocardiographic Evaluation of Pulmonary Embolism: A Review

Abstract

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is the third most common cause of cardiovascular death in the United States. Appropriate risk stratification is an important component of the initial evaluation for acute management of these patients. Echocardiography plays a crucial role in the risk stratification of patients with PE. In this literature review, we describe the current strategies in risk stratification of patients with PE using echocardiography and the role of echocardiography in the diagnosis of PE.

Keywords: Echocardiography; Hemodynamics; Pulmonary embolism; Right ventricle.