PULMONARY EMBOLISM AND ROLE OF FAMILY MEDICINE
Finsha Saleem (2202034),Ajimsha Shakeer (2201685), Nahila Rasheed
(2201684) and Mohammed Suhail (2201572)
Department of Medicine, University of Georgia
Introduction to Family Medicine
Dr. Pukhashvili Nino and Dr. Tinatin Tartarashvili
, ABSTRACT
Acute pulmonary embolism (PE) is a potentially fatal complication of venous thromboembolism,
usually originating from deep vein thrombosis in the lower limbs. Its symptoms—such as
shortness of breath, chest pain, fainting, and rapid heartbeat—are nonspecific and often resemble
other cardiopulmonary conditions, making prompt diagnosis essential to prevent severe
outcomes like hemodynamic collapse and right ventricular failure. Risk factors align with
Virchow’s triad and include cancer, recent surgery, immobility, inherited clotting disorders,
hormone therapy, pregnancy, infections, and cardiovascular diseases. Diagnosis involves
assessing clinical probability with tools like the Wells or Geneva score, followed by D-dimer
testing and confirmatory imaging via CT pulmonary angiography (CTPA) or
ventilation/perfusion (V/Q) scans. Echocardiography is used to evaluate right ventricular
function for risk assessment. Treatment depends on patient stability: stable patients receive
anticoagulation adjusted for comorbidities and kidney function, while unstable patients need
immediate hemodynamic support, careful fluid management, vasopressors, and thrombolytic
therapy. Catheter-directed interventions or surgical embolectomy are options when thrombolysis
is contraindicated or ineffective. Early detection and adherence to standardized treatment
protocols greatly improve patient outcomes.
INTRODUCTION
Acute pulmonary embolism (PE) is a life-threatening condition caused by a blood clot, most
often originating from a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in the lower limbs, that blocks the
pulmonary arteries. While PE primarily results from thrombi, embolization of other materials
such as air, fat, or tumor cells is rare. Together, PE and DVT form venous thromboembolism
(VTE), a major cause of illness and death worldwide. Risk factors include inherited conditions
like thrombophilia and acquired factors such as prolonged immobility, surgery, and cancer.
The symptoms of PE—such as shortness of breath, chest pain, and fainting—are nonspecific and
overlap with other heart and lung diseases, complicating timely diagnosis despite advances in
diagnostic tools and treatments. Early identification and management are critical to prevent
complications like hemodynamic instability, right ventricular failure, and sudden death. Accurate
diagnosis involves imaging and risk scoring systems like the Geneva score and Wells criteria.
However, inconsistent use of these tools and variation in treatment highlight the need for
standardized clinical protocols. Improved clinician awareness of risk factors, diagnostic methods,
and evidence-based therapies can lead to better patient outcomes.
CLINICAL PRESENTATION
Prompt diagnosis of pulmonary embolism (PE) is crucial due to its high mortality and morbidity,
both of which can be reduced with early treatment. However, diagnosing PE is challenging
Finsha Saleem (2202034),Ajimsha Shakeer (2201685), Nahila Rasheed
(2201684) and Mohammed Suhail (2201572)
Department of Medicine, University of Georgia
Introduction to Family Medicine
Dr. Pukhashvili Nino and Dr. Tinatin Tartarashvili
, ABSTRACT
Acute pulmonary embolism (PE) is a potentially fatal complication of venous thromboembolism,
usually originating from deep vein thrombosis in the lower limbs. Its symptoms—such as
shortness of breath, chest pain, fainting, and rapid heartbeat—are nonspecific and often resemble
other cardiopulmonary conditions, making prompt diagnosis essential to prevent severe
outcomes like hemodynamic collapse and right ventricular failure. Risk factors align with
Virchow’s triad and include cancer, recent surgery, immobility, inherited clotting disorders,
hormone therapy, pregnancy, infections, and cardiovascular diseases. Diagnosis involves
assessing clinical probability with tools like the Wells or Geneva score, followed by D-dimer
testing and confirmatory imaging via CT pulmonary angiography (CTPA) or
ventilation/perfusion (V/Q) scans. Echocardiography is used to evaluate right ventricular
function for risk assessment. Treatment depends on patient stability: stable patients receive
anticoagulation adjusted for comorbidities and kidney function, while unstable patients need
immediate hemodynamic support, careful fluid management, vasopressors, and thrombolytic
therapy. Catheter-directed interventions or surgical embolectomy are options when thrombolysis
is contraindicated or ineffective. Early detection and adherence to standardized treatment
protocols greatly improve patient outcomes.
INTRODUCTION
Acute pulmonary embolism (PE) is a life-threatening condition caused by a blood clot, most
often originating from a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in the lower limbs, that blocks the
pulmonary arteries. While PE primarily results from thrombi, embolization of other materials
such as air, fat, or tumor cells is rare. Together, PE and DVT form venous thromboembolism
(VTE), a major cause of illness and death worldwide. Risk factors include inherited conditions
like thrombophilia and acquired factors such as prolonged immobility, surgery, and cancer.
The symptoms of PE—such as shortness of breath, chest pain, and fainting—are nonspecific and
overlap with other heart and lung diseases, complicating timely diagnosis despite advances in
diagnostic tools and treatments. Early identification and management are critical to prevent
complications like hemodynamic instability, right ventricular failure, and sudden death. Accurate
diagnosis involves imaging and risk scoring systems like the Geneva score and Wells criteria.
However, inconsistent use of these tools and variation in treatment highlight the need for
standardized clinical protocols. Improved clinician awareness of risk factors, diagnostic methods,
and evidence-based therapies can lead to better patient outcomes.
CLINICAL PRESENTATION
Prompt diagnosis of pulmonary embolism (PE) is crucial due to its high mortality and morbidity,
both of which can be reduced with early treatment. However, diagnosing PE is challenging
