Pulmonary Embolism

Pulmonary Embolism - blockage of the pulmonary artery or one of its branches by an embolus (usually a blood clot that has entered the lungs from the veins of the lower extremities if the patient has phlebothrombosis of these veins). A large embolus entering the lungs can lead to a person developing acute heart failure or even sudden death. Smaller emboli lead to the death of individual sections of the lung tissue, the development of pleurisy in the patient and the appearance of hemoptysis (cough accompanied by the release of blood). Even smaller emboli may resolve after the patient takes anticoagulants such as heparin or warfarin.

Most cases of pulmonary embolism are treated with embolectomy or by dissolving the blood clot by administering streptokinase solution. Recurrent pulmonary embolism can cause a person to develop pulmonary hypertension.

Pulmonary Embolism

Pulmonary embolism is a blockage of the pulmonary artery or one of its branches by an embolus, usually a blood clot that enters the lungs from the veins of the lower extremities during phlebothrombosis of these veins. If a large embolus enters the lungs, it can lead to acute heart failure or even sudden death.

Smaller emboli cause death of areas of lung tissue, pleurisy and hemoptysis (coughing up blood). Even smaller emboli may resolve with anticoagulants such as heparin or warfarin.

Most cases of embolism are treated with embolectomy or clot dissolution with streptokinase. Recurrent embolism can lead to pulmonary hypertension.