Abstract

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is obstruction of the pulmonary arteries by dislodging and embolization of thrombotic material originating in most cases from the deep veins of the leg. PE is a common clinical disorder. When left untreated it becomes associated with high morbidity and mortality. PE is a difficult diagnosis that may be missed because of non-specific clinical presentation.Since most patients still die before diagnostic techniques may be applied, a prompt and accurate suspicion of PE is the only way to reduce undetection and mortality. Assessment of clinical probability is a fundamental step in the diagnosis of PE.  There are three major prediction rules available for estimating the probability of PE. More recently, new risk markers have appeared that have to be incorporated in the risk stratification scheme. CT angiography has become the most widely used technique for the diagnosis or exclusion of PE, replacing at the same time both V/Q scanning and pulmonary angiography. Anticoagulation is the most traditional treatment for PE but it need not be sufficient in the case of massive thromboemboli. With a course of anticoagulant therapy, the rate of recurrent thromboembolism decreases significantly.