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Review
. 2025 Jul;25(4):100325.
doi: 10.1016/j.clinme.2025.100325. Epub 2025 May 9.

Is pulmonary embolism a chronic disease?

Gerard Gurumurthy  1 , Lianna Reynolds  2 , Kerstin de Wit  3 , Lara N Roberts  4 , Jecko Thachil  5
Affiliations
Review

Is pulmonary embolism a chronic disease?

Gerard Gurumurthy et al. Clin Med (Lond). 2025 Jul.

Abstract

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is often regarded as an acute disorder, yet emerging evidence underscores its chronic trajectory. Many survivors endure long-term complications, including recurrent thrombosis, persistent dyspnoea and psychosocial challenges. These sequelae impair functional capacity and quality of life long after the initial event. To address these issues, we suggest that clinicians should adopt an integrated, multidisciplinary model that includes risk stratification for recurrence, structured follow-up, exercise rehabilitation, and support for psychological challenges. Recognising the potential chronic sequalae of PE ultimately fosters comprehensive care aimed at reducing morbidity and improving long-term outcomes for survivors.

Keywords: Chronic thromboembolic disease; Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH); Post-pulmonary embolism syndrome; Pulmonary embolism.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declaration of competing interest LNR received speaker fees from Bayer, Chugai and Viatris.If there are other authors, they declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper.

Figures

Image, graphical abstract
Graphical abstract
Fig 1
Fig. 1
Algorithm for diagnosing and managing persistent dyspnoea post-pulmonary embolism.
Fig 2
Fig. 2
Psychological screening and management pathway post-pulmonary embolism.
Fig 3
Fig. 3
Proposed care model for post-PE management.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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