MY APPROACH to the Patient With Pulmonary Embolism

Acute pulmonary embolism (PE) is a potentially life-threatening condition that kills thousands of patients every year. If untreated, the estimated mortality rate of “all-comers” with a PE is approximately 30%. However, with prompt diagnosis and early institution of appropriate therapy, the expected percent mortality can be reduced to single digits. Because acute PE can occur in all “shapes and sizes,” the treatment approach should be predicated on the perceived severity of the PE and risk of death.

Source: Trends in Cardiovascular Medicine - January 23, 2015 Category: Cardiology Authors: Jonathan David Rich Source Type: research