You should be able to:
• Describe the risk factors for and aetiology of pulmonary embolism
• Explain why haemodynamic instability and hypoxia occur
• Outline the common clinical presentations
• Define the severity of PE according to high, intermediate and low risk
• Outline the workup and diagnosis of suspected pulmonary embolism in both stable and unstable patients
• Describe the specific findings from diagnostic investigations including ECG, echo and common imaging modalities
• Outline the management of pulmonary embolism
• Describe the indication, contraindications and rationale for thrombolysis
• Describe alternative methods for reperfusion and their indications
Compare different methods of anticoagulation in pulmonary embolism and their advantages
The Guidewire
- Page: Pulmonary Embolism
Guidelines
- ESC/ERS (2020) - Diagnosis and Management of Acute Pulmonary Embolism
- BTS (2003) - Management of Suspected Acute Pulmonary Embolism
- NICE (2020) -Venous Thromboembolic Diseases: Diagnosis, Management and Thrombophilia Testing
Review Articles
- Zochios, JICS (2013); Pulmonary embolism in Mechanically Ventilated Critically Ill Patient
- Van Beek, BJA Ed (2009); Diagnosis and Initial Treatment of Patients with Suspected Pulmonary Thromboembolism
- Yamamoto, J Int Care (2018); Management of Patients with High Risk Pulmonary Embolism
- Howard, Clin Med (2019); Acute Pulmonary Embolism