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Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a condition characterized by occlusion of the pulmonary arteries or their branches by thrombus, air, fat, tumor, or amniotic fluid, most commonly due to thromboembolism from deep veins of the lower limbs.

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It is a potentially life-threatening emergency requiring rapid diagnosis and treatment.

Pulmonary embolism: The route to recovery

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AQjDQg2ZOZk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yCzkks51CfQ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=grY2AoAgI58

https://youtu.be/78ohCKgRXYI

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sm7GX5vNQ0k

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cmmINOpIVuY

Etiopathogenesis

Thrombus from DVT travels via the IVC to the right heart and lodges in the pulmonary arteries. This results in:

• Ventilation-perfusion (V/Q) mismatch
• Hypoxemia and increased pulmonary vascular resistance
• Right ventricular strain and potential failure

Risk Factors (Virchow’s Triad)

1. Stasis: Immobilization, surgery, long travel
2. Hypercoagulability: Cancer, pregnancy, thrombophilia (e.g., factor V Leiden)
3. Endothelial injury: Trauma, central lines

Clinical Features