The diagnosis and management of pulmonary embolism

2020 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 22-26 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emma Toplis ◽  
Gerri Mortimore
Keyword(s):  
Pulmonary Embolism ◽  
Imaging Modality ◽  
Pulmonary Angiography ◽  
Arterial System ◽  
Bleeding Events ◽  
Clinical Probability ◽  
Wells Score ◽  
Pulmonary Arterial ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Specific Symptoms

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a condition characterised by an obstruction of the pulmonary arterial system by one or more emboli. Advanced clinical practitioners are often faced with ruling out a diagnosis of PE in patients with non-specific symptoms such as dyspnoea and pleuritic chest pain, which can be fairly mild and therefore a diagnosis of PE easily missed. PEs can be a challenge to diagnose, especially in elderly people, since it can be difficult to differentiate their symptoms from other less serious illnesses. Widely used scoring tools are helpful to calculate a patient's probability of having a PE. The Wells score is the most widely used pre-test clinical probability indicator of PE used in the UK, which scores the patient's probability of having a PE based on their risk factors. The D-dimer test is a relatively simple investigation to rule out venous thromboembolism (VTE) but can be raised for various reasons other than PE. Computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA) is regarded as the gold standard imaging modality for investigation of acute PE but ventilation-perfusion (VQ) scans can be used as an alternative imaging technique for diagnosing PE in those where CTPA is contraindicated. Thrombolysis is underused in clinical practice due to the fear of adverse bleeding events. Patients without a massive or sub-massive PE are treated with anticoagulant therapy, usually commencing with subcutaneous low-molecular-weight heparin and switching over to a direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC). There has been a shift away from treatment with warfarin for the prevention and treatment of VTE over the past decade.

scholarly journals Deciding on thrombolytic therapy in pulmonary embolism - is there room for lactate?

2018 ◽  
Vol 146 (7-8) ◽  
pp. 436-439
Author(s):  
Dusanka Obradovic ◽  
Biljana Joves ◽  
Svetislava Milic ◽  
Jovan Matijasevic ◽  
Stanislava Sovilj-Gmizic
Keyword(s):  
Pulmonary Embolism ◽  
High Risk ◽  
Thrombolytic Therapy ◽  
Hemodynamic Instability ◽  
Positive Outcome ◽  
Pulmonary Angiography ◽  
Clinical Probability ◽  
Tissue Hypoperfusion ◽  
Therapeutic Algorithms ◽  
Wells Score

Introduction. Diagnostic and therapeutic algorithms for pulmonary embolism (PE) have been frequently modified; however, determining clinical probability, which dictates further procedures, has remained the first step. The objective was to illustrate therapeutic dilemma in a patient with intermediate high risk for 30-day mortality. Case outline. The patient was a 56-years-old woman who was referred to our institution for suspected PE. According to the Wells score, the patient was deemed as low-probability for venous thromboembolism, and after further stratification she was placed in a group with intermediate high risk for 30-day mortality. PE was confirmed by computerised tomography pulmonary angiography and she initially received heparin. During the further clinical course, she developed hemodynamic instability, and she received thrombolytic therapy, with a positive outcome. The patient also had increased lactate at admission ? marker of tissue hypoperfusion which is not a part of the routine laboratory work-up in PE patients. Conclusion. Current guidelines state that patients with intermediate high risk for 30-day mortality should be treated with heparin, and then continuously monitored in order to timely recognize potential hemodynamic instability and consequently apply thrombolytics. In the outlined case, thrombolytic therapy was applied only after the patient developed hemodynamic instability, although previously she had early signs of tissue hypoperfusion.

scholarly journals THE RELIABILITY OF CLINICAL PROBABILITY SCORE IN (WELLS SCORE) THE DIAGNOSIS OF PULMONARY EMBOLISM (PE) IN COVID-19 PATIENTS

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (09) ◽  
pp. 345-349
Author(s):  
Saleh Alkhubaizi ◽  
◽  
Ahmad Al. ALalwi ◽  
Mamdoh Mahboob ◽  
Mohammed Al. Thubity ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pulmonary Embolism ◽  
Medical Records ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Medical Center ◽  
Pulmonary Angiography ◽  
Clinical Probability ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Wells Score ◽  
D Dimer

Background: The risk of developing pulmonary embolism (PE) is high in patients infected with COVID-19, and its diagnosis is a severe challenge for healthcare professionals duringthe COVID-19 pandemic. Physicians are frequently usingcomputed tomography pulmonary angiography(CTPA), d-dimer, and well score for the diagnosis of PE. Methods: A retrospective study was used in which we investigated the reliability of clinical well scores by collecting data, such as medical records in registered form (serum D-dimer level and Wells scores) of every patient for whom physicians have requested whose CTPA with suspicion of PE at King Faisal Medical Center (KFMC) from the period from 1st of April to the 1st of October. Results: The study results showed significantly higher values of d-dimer in patients with positive PEcompared to those with negative values. In addition wells score is not a reliable preclinical score in diagnosis PE in COVID 19 patient. Conclusions: As per the results of the well score, there is no significant difference between vulnerable people with PE +ve and -ve.

Pulmonary embolism

2007 ◽  
pp. 177-188
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Pulmonary Embolism ◽  
Pulmonary Angiography ◽  
Hospitalized Patients ◽  
Pulmonary Emboli ◽  
Ct Pulmonary Angiography ◽  
Clinical Probability ◽  
Clinical Conditions ◽  
Specific Symptoms ◽  
Symptoms And Signs

Introduction 178 Risk factors 178 Clinical probability 179 Submassive PE 180 Massive PE 185 Further investigation of patients following PE 187 Prevention of pulmonary emboli 187 Pulmonary embolism (PE) can present with numerous non-specific symptoms and signs and hence mimics several other clinical conditions. The annual incidence of PE is approximately 60–70 cases in 100 000. Half occur in hospitalized patients, with a quarter having clear risk factors and the remainder being idiopathic. Most hospitals will have their own protocol for investigation; some still use ventilation–perfusion scintigraphy if they have on-site facilities, but most now use multi-detector CT pulmonary angiography (CTPA)....

scholarly journals Relationship Between CRP, D-Dimer, D-Dimer/CRP with Clinical Probability and Diagnostic Value in Patients with Suspected Pulmonary Thoromboembolism

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yunus Günkan ◽  
Cenk Babayiğit ◽  
Nursel Dikmen
Keyword(s):  
Pulmonary Embolism ◽  
Sensitivity And Specificity ◽  
Diagnostic Value ◽  
Pulmonary Angiography ◽  
Lung Scintigraphy ◽  
Reactive Protein ◽  
Clinical Probability ◽  
Wells Score ◽  
Diagnostic Values ◽  
D Dimer

Objective: It was planned to investigate the diagnostic values for pulmonary thromboembolisym (PTE) by examining D-dimer, C-Reactive Protein (CRP), D-dimer/CRP ratio of patients who underwent computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA) and/or lung scintigraphy with pre-diagnosis of pulmonary embolism. So it was thought that unnecessary computed tomograpy pulmonary Angiography could be reduced. Method: In our study, patients who were admitted to the chest diseases outpatient clinic and emergency department, who underwent CT pumonary Angiography and/or lung scintigraphy with a pre-diagnosis of pulmonary embolism, and who were simultaneously studied for D-dimer and CRP examinations were retrospectively evaluated. The efficiency and reliability of the Wells score and the combination of D-dimer, CRP and D-dimer/CRP ratio in the prediagnosis of pulmonary embolism were evaluated. Results: 46 of 79 patients with suspected pulmonary embolism included in our study were diagnosed with pulmonary thromboembolism with advanced tests. While the sensitivity and specificity of Wells score, D-dimer and CRP in diagnosing PTE were 41.3-100%, 91.3-27.3% and 84.7-42.4%, respectively, the cut off value of D-dimer/CRP ratio was 119.5. We found statistically significant higher D-dimer levels in patients with probable PTE according to Wells clinical scores. However, D-dimer/CRP ratio and CRP levels were statistically insignificant. Conclusion: In our study, D-dimer and CRP ratios were found to be significantly higher in patients with PTE, but D-dimer/CRP ratios were found to be less valuable in the diagnosis of PTE sensitivity and specificity.

scholarly journals Pulmonary embolism during the COVID-19 pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 28 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
BV Silva ◽  
T Rodrigues ◽  
N Cunha ◽  
J Brito ◽  
P Alves Da Silva ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Pulmonary Embolism ◽  
Hospital Admissions ◽  
Reference Group ◽  
Group Versus ◽  
Pulmonary Angiography ◽  
Reference Period ◽  
Funding Sources ◽  
Clinical Probability

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background During the COVID-19 pandemic many countries have imposed lockdown restrictions to movement. Since the 18th of March in Portugal, thousands of people have been confined to their homes. While hospital admissions for COVID-19 patients increased exponentially, admissions for non-COVID-19 patients decreased dramatically. However, it remains unclear whether lockdown-related immobility can contribute to the increased incidence of pulmonary embolism. Purpose To compare the incidence of pulmonary embolism (PE) during the lockdown period (Abril 1 to May 31, 2020) compared to the reference period in 2019. Methods Retrospective study of consecutive outpatients who presented to the emergency department and underwent computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA) due to suspicion of PE. Results Compared to the same period of 2019, the lockdown period was associated with a significant increase in PE diagnosis (29 versus 18 patients). PE patients during lockdown were older (median age 71 years; interquartile range [IQR][60-85] versus 59 years [44-76]; p = 0.046) and have lower prevalence of active cancer (14% versus 33% in the reference period). Women represent 55% (n = 16) of patients in lockdown group (versus 50% in 2019 group). Clinical probability (GENEVA score) was similar in both groups (median score 2.72 in lockdown group and 2.50 in reference group, p = 0.452). None of the patients with PE was diagnosed with COVID-19. Conclusion We have observed a marked increase (62%) in PE diagnosis during lockdown period compared to the reference period, which can be explained by the reduction in physical activity due to teleworking and closure of gyms and sports activities. These data reinforce the importance of promoting physical activity programs at home. The role of pharmacological or mechanical thromboprophylaxis in this scenario remains unclear.

scholarly journals Wells’ Score in Diagnosis of Pulmonary Embolism in Patient with Thrombocytopenia: A Case Report

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 281-285
Author(s):  
Dragan Panic ◽  
Andreja Todorovic ◽  
Milica Stanojevic ◽  
Violeta Iric Cupic
Keyword(s):  
Pulmonary Embolism ◽  
Chest Pain ◽  
Acute Pulmonary Embolism ◽  
Pretest Probability ◽  
Clinical Prediction ◽  
Clinical Prediction Rules ◽  
Prediction Rules ◽  
Clinical Probability ◽  
Wells Score ◽  
D Dimer

Abstract Current diagnostic workup of patients with suspected acute pulmonary embolism (PE) usually starts with the assessment of clinical pretest probability, using clinical prediction rules and plasma D-dimer measurement. Although an accurate diagnosis of acute pulmonary embolism (PE) in patients is thus of crucial importance, the diagnostic management of suspected PE is still challenging. A 60-year-old man with chest pain and expectoration of blood was admitted to the Department of Cardiology, General Hospital in Cuprija, Serbia. After physical examination and laboratory analyses, the diagnosis of Right side pleuropne monia and acute pulmonary embolism was established. Clinically, patient was hemodynamically stable, auscultative slightly weaker respiratory sound right basal, without pretibial edema. Laboratory: C-reactive protein (CRP) 132.9 mg/L, Leukocytes (Le) 18.9x109/L, Erythrocytes (Er) 3.23x1012/L, Haemoglobin (Hgb) 113 g/L, Platelets (Plt) 79x109/L, D-dimer 35.2. On the third day after admission, D-dimer was increased and platelet count was decreased (Plt up to 62x109/L). According to Wells’ rules, score was 2.5 (without symptoms on admission), a normal clinical finding with clinical manifestation of hemoptysis and chest pain, which represents the intermediate level of clinical probability of PE. After the recidive of PE, Wells’ score was 6.5. In summary, this study suggests that Wells’ score, based on a patient’s risk for pulmonary embolism, is a valuable guidance for decision-making in combination with knowledge and experience of clinicians. Clinicians should use validated clinical prediction rules to estimate pretest probability in patients in whom acute PE is being consiered.

scholarly journals Investigation of Suspected Pulmonary Embolism at Hutt Valley Hospital with CT Pulmonary Angiography: Current Practice and Opportunities for Improvement

2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nick Kennedy ◽  
Sisira Jayathissa ◽  
Paul Healy
Keyword(s):  
Pulmonary Embolism ◽  
Current Practice ◽  
Pulmonary Angiography ◽  
Pretest Probability ◽  
British Thoracic Society ◽  
Suspected Pulmonary Embolism ◽  
Ct Pulmonary Angiography ◽  
Wells Score ◽  
Positive Rate ◽  
D Dimer

Aims. To study the use of CT pulmonary angiography (CTPA) at Hutt Hospital and investigate the use of pretest probability scoring in the assessment of patients with suspected pulmonary embolism (PE).Methods. We studied patients with suspected PE that underwent CTPA between January and May 2012 and collected data on demographics, use of pretest probability scoring, and use of D Dimer and compared our practice with the British Thoracic Society (BTS) guideline.Results. 105 patients underwent CTPA and 15% of patients had PE. 13% of patients had a Wells score prior to their scan. Wells score calculated by researchers revealed 54%, 36%, and 8% patients had low, medium, and high risk pretest probabilities and 8%, 20%, and 50% of these patients had positive scans. D Dimer was performed in 58% of patients and no patients with a negative D Dimer had a PE.Conclusion. The CTPA positive rate was similar to other contemporary studies but lower than previous New Zealand studies and some international guidelines. Risk stratification of suspected PE using Wells score and D Dimer was underutilised. A number of scans could have been safely avoided by using accepted guidelines reducing resources use and improving patient safety.

Pulmonary embolism in Bujumbura

2021 ◽  
Vol 25 (4) ◽  
pp. 298-305
Author(s):  
Eugène Ndirahisha ◽  
Thierry Sibomana ◽  
Joseph Nyandwi ◽  
Ramadhan Nyandwi ◽  
Sébastien Manirakiza ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pulmonary Embolism ◽  
Past History ◽  
Personal Data ◽  
Minor Bleeding ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Clinical Probability ◽  
Medical Associations ◽  
Venous Thromboembolic ◽  
Wells Score ◽  
History Of

Relevance . Pulmonary embolism constitutes a diagnostic and therapeutic emergency. In Africa, data are still difficult to obtain. Thus, the objectives of this work is to describe epidemiological, clinical, therapeutic aspects and short-term outcomes of pulmonary embolism confirmed by thoracic angioscan at Kira hospital in Bujumbura, the biggest city of Burundi with population about 375 000. Patients and Methods . This was a descriptive study of 18 patients who had a pulmonary embolism confirmed by thoracic angioscan in Bujumbura from January 1st, 2015 to December 31st, 2018. We included in our study any patient with pulmonary embolism consenting to participate and processing personal data after some clarified explanations in accordance with the World Medical Associations Declaration of Helsinki. For each registered patient, we collected socio-demographic, past history of cardiac disease and factors risk, clinical, echocardiographic and scannographic findings with Wells score. Variables were presented as means and percentages. Results and Discussion. The average age was 53.5 12.3 years with a sex ratio of 1.25 in favor of women. The modal class was the 50 to 59 age group (33.3%). The clinical probability pre-test by simplified Wells score was high in 66.6% and medium in 33.3% of cases. A history of venous thromboembolic disease was the most common risk factor. Dyspnea was the most reason of consultation with 94.4% of cases. One patient died (5.6%) during hospitalization. Six months after discharge from the hospital, we recorded 3 cases (16.7%) of death, 6 cases (33.3%) of pulmonary heart, 3 cases (16.7%) of recurrent pulmonary embolism and one case of vitamin K antagonist overdose with minor bleeding. Conclusion. Pulmonary embolism is common in relatively young population with a predominance of females and chronic no communicable diseases as risk factors. Examination of a patient with an angioscanner is a sensitive and specific clinical study of pulmonary embolism. The outcome is favorable under appropriate treatment in short term.

Diagnosis of acute pulmonary embolism and evolving imaging modalities

ESC CardioMed ◽  
2018 ◽  
pp. 2761-2766
Author(s):  
Helia Robert-Ebadi ◽  
Grégoire Le Gal ◽  
Marc Righini
Keyword(s):  
Pulmonary Embolism ◽  
Pulmonary Angiography ◽  
Thoracic Imaging ◽  
Diagnostic Strategies ◽  
Computed Tomographic ◽  
Vein Thrombosis ◽  
Clinical Probability ◽  
Venous Compression ◽  
Computed Tomographic Pulmonary Angiography ◽  
Deep Vein

Modern non-invasive diagnostic strategies for pulmonary embolism rely on the sequential use of clinical probability assessment, D-dimer measurement, and thoracic imaging tests. Planar ventilation/perfusion scintigraphy was the cornerstone test for the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism for more than two decades and has now been replaced by computed tomographic pulmonary angiography (CTPA). Diagnostic strategies using CTPA are very safe to rule out pulmonary embolism and have been well validated in large prospective management outcome studies. Venous compression ultrasonography is the cornerstone test to diagnose deep vein thrombosis but is not mandatory for the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism when using multidetector CTPA.

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