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Pulmonary Embolism: Difference between revisions
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''James Heilman, MD, CCFP-EM'' | |||
'''Pulmonary embolism''' ('''PE''') is a blockage of the main artery of the lung or one of its branches by a substance that has travelled from elsewhere in the body through the bloodstream ([[embolism]]). Usually this is due to embolism of a [[thrombus]] (blood clot) from the |deep veins in the legs, a process termed [[venous thromboembolism]]. A small proportion is due to the embolization of air, fat, talc in drugs of intravenous drug abusers or amniotic fluid. The obstruction of the blood flow through the [[lung]]s and the resultant pressure on the [[right ventricle]] of the heart leads to the symptoms and signs of PE. The risk of PE is increased in various situations, such as [[cancer]] or prolonged [[bed rest]].<cite>Goldhaber</cite> | '''Pulmonary embolism''' ('''PE''') is a blockage of the main artery of the lung or one of its branches by a substance that has travelled from elsewhere in the body through the bloodstream ([[embolism]]). Usually this is due to embolism of a [[thrombus]] (blood clot) from the |deep veins in the legs, a process termed [[venous thromboembolism]]. A small proportion is due to the embolization of air, fat, talc in drugs of intravenous drug abusers or amniotic fluid. The obstruction of the blood flow through the [[lung]]s and the resultant pressure on the [[right ventricle]] of the heart leads to the symptoms and signs of PE. The risk of PE is increased in various situations, such as [[cancer]] or prolonged [[bed rest]].<cite>Goldhaber</cite> | ||