Managing pulmonary embolism

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a term that encompasses deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE).

Up to one-third of patients with a symptomatic DVT may have an asymptomatic PE.¹ Most PEs arise from the legs.^1,2

When a PE is present there is ventilation of lung tissue but a lack of perfusion, resulting in impaired gas exchange. This leads to alveolar collapse, due to the reduction in the area of the pulmonary arterial bed. There may be a resultant increase in pulmonary arterial pressure. These sequelae may cause a reduction in cardiac output. If perfusion is impaired to the extent that the collateral bronchial circulation cannot compensate, lung infarction occurs. In the case of a large PE or multiple PEs, the pulmonary arterial pressure can increase to such an extent that right ventricular failure may result.