Pulmonary Embolism: Difference between revisions

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'''Pulmonary embolism''' ('''PE''') is a blockage of the [[pulmonary artery|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 vein thrombosis|deep veins in the legs]], a process termed [[venous thromboembolism]]. A small proportion is due to the embolization of [[air embolism|air]], [[fat embolism|fat]], talc in drugs of intravenous drug abusers or [[amniotic fluid embolism|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 [[pulmonary artery|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 vein thrombosis|deep veins in the legs]], a process termed [[venous thromboembolism]]. A small proportion is due to the embolization of [[air embolism|air]], [[fat embolism|fat]], talc in drugs of intravenous drug abusers or [[amniotic fluid embolism|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]].<ref name=Goldhaber>{{cite book |author=Goldhaber SZ |editor=Kasper DL, Braunwald E, Fauci AS, ''et al.'' |title=Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine|edition=16th |year=2005 |publisher=McGraw-Hill |location=New York, NY |isbn=0-071-39140-1 |pages=1561–65 |chapter=Pulmonary thromboembolism}}</ref>


Symptoms of pulmonary embolism include [[dyspnea|difficulty breathing]], [[pleuritic chest pain|chest pain on inspiration]], and [[palpitation]]s. [[Clinical sign]]s include low blood [[oxygen saturation]] and [[cyanosis]], [[tachypnea|rapid breathing]], and [[tachycardia|a rapid heart rate]]. Severe cases of PE can lead to [[Collapse (medical)|collapse]], [[shock (circulatory)|abnormally low blood pressure]], and [[cardiac arrest|sudden death]].<ref name=Goldhaber/>
Symptoms of pulmonary embolism include [[dyspnea|difficulty breathing]], [[pleuritic chest pain|chest pain on inspiration]], and [[palpitation]]s. [[Clinical sign]]s include low blood [[oxygen saturation]] and [[cyanosis]], [[tachypnea|rapid breathing]], and [[tachycardia|a rapid heart rate]]. Severe cases of PE can lead to [[Collapse (medical)|collapse]], [[shock (circulatory)|abnormally low blood pressure]], and [[cardiac arrest|sudden death]].<ref name=Goldhaber/>
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==References==
==References==
{{Reflist|2}}
{{Reflist|2}}
<biblio>
#Goldhaber isbn=0071391401
</biblio>