Abstract

ARIAS-RODRIGUEZ, Fabián D. et al. Diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary embolism. Literature review. Rev. mex. angiol. [online]. 2022, vol.50, n.3, pp.96-109.  Epub Oct 13, 2022. ISSN 2696-130X.  https://doi.org/10.24875/rma.22000018.

Pulmonary thromboembolism (PE) is usually due to deep vein thrombosis (DVT), these together represent the two conditions known as Venous Thromboembolism (VTE), it occurs due to predisposing elements that include endothelial damage, venous stasis and hypercoagulable states, collectively known as Virchow’s Triad. It is more common in men and the incidence increases with age. PE is a life-threatening condition if not treated promptly because it has a natural tendency toward early recurrence of pulmonary embolism that can lead to the development of severe right ventricular failure. When PE is suspected, an approach is suggested that combines the evaluation of pre-test clinical probability accompanied by the D-Dimer test and imaging by computed tomography pulmonary angiography. Management focuses on patient stabilization and anticoagulation, depending on the risk of bleeding.

Keywords : Venous thromboembolism; Dyspnea; Right ventricular failure; D-dimer; Anticoagulation.