Pulmonary embolism management in the emergency department: part 2

Emerg Med J. 2023 Jan;40(1):69-75. doi: 10.1136/emermed-2021-212001. Epub 2022 Apr 5.

Abstract

Pulmonary embolism (PE) can present with a range of severity. Prognostic risk stratification is important for efficacious and safe management. This second of two review articles discusses the management of high-, intermediate- and low-risk PE. We discuss strategies to identify patients suitable for urgent outpatient care in addition to identification of patients who would benefit from thrombolysis. We discuss specific subgroups of patients where optimal treatment differs from the usual approach and identify emerging management paradigms exploring new therapies and subgroups.

Keywords: emergency care systems; management; pulmonary embolism; thrombo-embolic disease; thrombolysis.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Ambulatory Care
  • Emergency Service, Hospital
  • Humans
  • Prognosis
  • Pulmonary Embolism* / diagnosis
  • Pulmonary Embolism* / therapy
  • Risk