Thrombolysis in Pulmonary Embolism

Acute pulmonary embolism (PE) is associated with high in-hospital morbidity and mortality, both via cardiorespiratory decompensation and the bleeding complications of treatment. Thrombolytic therapy can be life-saving in those with high-risk PE, but requires careful patient selection. Patients with PE and systemic arterial hypotension ( “massive PE”) should receive thrombolytic therapy unless severe contraindications are present. Patients with PE and right ventricular dysfunction/injury, but without hypotension (“submassive PE”), should be considered for thrombolysis on a case-by-case basis, considering bleeding risk, cardi ac biomarkers, echocardiography, and most importantly, clinical status.
Source: Critical Care Clinics - Category: Intensive Care Authors: Source Type: research