Pulmonary embolism

Abstract

Venous thromboembolism, the common name for pulmonary embolism (PE) and deep vein thrombosis (DVT), is a major global health problem. In PE, dyspnea, chest pain, cough, hemoptysis, hemoptysis, and symptoms of DVT are most common, but patients may also present with atypical symptoms such as syncope. Risk stratification, exclusion criteria and D-dimer test play an important role in the clinical approach. In patients with a low probability of VTE and a negative D-dimer test, PE can be excluded without the need for imaging and treatment modalities such as anticoagulation are not required. In all other patients, further investigations are required in suspected VTE. Oral anticoagulants have an important place in treatment. The hemodynamic stability of the patient is essential for the decision of fibrinolytic therapy. New generation oral anticoagulants are preferred in PE treatment due to their lower bleeding risk and ease of use compared to vitamin K antagonists. Anticoagulation should be continued for at least 3 months to prevent recurrences. If the risk of recurrence is considered higher than the risk of bleeding in VTE patients who are considered to be at high risk for recurrence or in whom no cause can be found, the duration of anticoagulation should be prolonged.