Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a serious medical condition where a blood clot blocks an artery in the lungs, typically originating from a clot in the legs or other parts of the body that travels through the bloodstream to the lungs. This blockage can impair blood flow and oxygen exchange, potentially leading to life-threatening complications.
Causes
Pulmonary embolism usually results from deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot in the deep veins of the legs. Other causes include embolization of air, fat, or tumor material. Risk factors for developing PE include advanced age, cancer, prolonged bed rest, smoking, genetic clotting disorders, hormone-based medications (like birth control), pregnancy, obesity, trauma, surgery, and long periods of immobility such as long-haul travel.
Symptoms
Symptoms often appear suddenly and commonly include:
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain that worsens when breathing in (pleuritic pain)
- Rapid breathing and heart rate
- Coughing, sometimes with blood
- Leg pain or swelling (indicative of DVT)
Severe cases can lead to collapse, low blood pressure, shock, or sudden death. Some patients may experience fainting or unusual symptoms like seizures or abdominal pain.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis involves evaluating symptoms, risk factors, and imaging tests such as CT pulmonary angiography, lung ventilation/perfusion scans, or ultrasound of the legs to detect clots. A blood test called D-dimer may help rule out the condition in low-risk cases.
Treatment
Treatment aims to break up blood clots, prevent new clots, and manage symptoms using:
- Anticoagulants (blood thinners) to prevent clot growth
- Thrombolytics to dissolve large clots in severe cases
- Catheter-assisted removal of clots in certain scenarios
- Vena cava filters to catch clots before they reach the lungs in patients who cannot take blood thinners
Early treatment significantly improves survival and recovery outcomes.
In summary, pulmonary embolism is a potentially fatal blockage of lung arteries by blood clots that requires prompt recognition and treatment to reduce serious complications.
