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Alternative names Return to top
Venous thrombo-embolism; Lung blood clot; Fat embolus; Air embolus; Tumor embolusDefinition Return to top
A pulmonary embolus is a blockage of an artery in the lungs by fat, air, clumped tumor cells, or a blood clot.Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top
Pulmonary emboli are blockages of the blood vessels of the lungs (pulmonary vessels). Most often they are caused by blood clots from the veins, especially veins in the legs or in the pelvis (hips). More rarely, air bubbles, fat droplets, amniotic fluid, or clumps of parasites or tumor cells may obstruct the pulmonary vessels.
The most common cause of a pulmonary embolism is a blood clot in the veins of the legs, called a deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Many vlear up on their own, though some may cause severe illness or even death.
Risk factors include the following:
Persons with certain clotting disorders may also have a higher risk.
Symptoms Return to top
It is important to note that the symptoms of pulmonary embolism may be vague or may resemble symptoms associated with other diseases:
Signs and tests Return to top
Tests to evaluate the function of the lungs:
An ECG may show abnormalities caused by strain on the heart.
This disease may also alter the results of the following tests:
Treatment Return to top
Emergency treatment and hospitalization are necessary. In cases of severe, life-threatening pulmonary embolism, definitive treatment consists of dissolving the clot with thrombolytic therapy. Anticoagulant therapy prevents the formation of more clots and allows the body to re-absorb the existing clots faster.
Thrombolytic therapy (clot-dissolving medication) includes streptokinase, urokinase, or t-PA. Anticoagulation therapy (clot-preventing medication) consists of heparin by intravenous infusion initially, then oral warfarin (Coumadin). Subcutaneous low-molecular weight heparin is often substituted for intravenous heparin in many circumstances.
In patients who cannot tolerate anticoagulation therapy, an inferior vena cava filter (IVC filter) may be placed. This device, placed in the main central vein in the abdomen, is designed to block large clots from traveling into the pulmonary vessels. Oxygen therapy may be required to maintain normal oxygen concentrations.
Surgery in patients at great risk for recurrent embolism is sometimes indicated.
Expectations (prognosis) Return to top
It is difficult to assess the prognosis of pulmonary embolism, because many cases are never diagnosed. Often, the prognosis is related to the disease that puts the person at risk for pulmonary embolism (cancer, major surgery, trauma, etc.). In cases of severe pulmonary embolism, where shock and heart failure occur, the death rate may be greater than 50%.
Complications Return to top
Calling your health care provider Return to top
Go to the emergency room or call the local emergency number (such as 911) if symptoms of pulmonary embolus occur.Prevention Return to top
Prevention of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) among patients who are at risk is very important. Walking and activity as soon as possible after surgery or during a prolonged medical illness can reduce the risk for pulmonary embolus. Subcutaneous heparin therapy (low doses of heparin injected under the skin) may be used for those on prolonged bedrest. Other preventive measures include compression stockings (plastic sleeves that fit around the legs and help circulate the blood). Update Date: 5/6/2003 Updated by: David A. Kaufman, M.D., Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |