Commentary: Is it time to Change Management Guidelines and Referral Patterns for PE?

Massive pulmonary embolism (MPE) is defined as hemodynamically significant acute PE leading to sustained hypotension (systolic blood pressure15 min or requiring inotropic support) or circulatory collapse. Sub-massive PE are more common (x6). Compared to sub-massive PE, the reported 90- day mortality rates for MPE are 3.3-fold higher, exceeding 40% with 80% of deaths occur at initial hospitalization.1 Evidence or RV dilatation on the CT scan and of RV strain on echocardiography along with elevated biomarkers of troponin and BNP levels have been highlighted as important prognostic indicators of MPE.
Source: Seminars in Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery - Category: Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery Authors: Tags: ADULT – Commentary Source Type: research