Potentially life-threatening emergency
Pulmonary embolism - Pulmonary
Alerts and Notices
Synopsis
The clinical presentation depends upon the size, location, number and chronicity of emboli, and the patient's cardiorespiratory reserve. Features include dyspnea and tachypnea, pleuritic chest pain, cough, hemoptysis, pleural effusion, pulmonary infiltrates, cyanosis, syncope, and, in some cases, sudden death (classically pulseless electrical activity [PEA] arrest).
Predisposing factors for PE include history of venous thromboembolism, embolization of struts from inferior vena cava filter, genetic predilection (Factor V Leiden, anti-thrombin III gene mutation, protein C or S deficiency, etc), cancer, trauma, surgery, pregnancy or oral contraceptive use, prolonged immobility, advanced age, obesity, and congestive heart failure.
There are often long-term recurrent risks of another thromboembolism after the first venous thromboembolism.
Codes
ICD10CM:I26.09 – Other pulmonary embolism with acute cor pulmonale
I26.99 – Other pulmonary embolism without acute cor pulmonale
SNOMEDCT:
59282003 – Pulmonary embolism
Look For
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Diagnostic Pearls
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Differential Diagnosis & Pitfalls
- Acute myocardial infarction
- Pneumothorax
- Pneumonia (eg, viral, bacterial)
- Pleurisy
- Lung contusion
Best Tests
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Management Pearls
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Therapy
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Drug Reaction Data
Below is a list of drugs with literature evidence indicating an adverse association with this diagnosis. The list is continually updated through ongoing research and new medication approvals. Click on Citations to sort by number of citations or click on Medication to sort the medications alphabetically.Subscription Required
References
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Last Reviewed:11/09/2017
Last Updated:08/23/2019
Last Updated:08/23/2019
Potentially life-threatening emergency
Pulmonary embolism - Pulmonary