Pulmonary Embolism (PE)

Etiology

• DVT (immobilization, surgery, malignancy)
• Hypercoagulable states (Factor V Leiden, pregnancy, OCPs)

Pathogenesis

• Thrombus → pulmonary artery obstruction → V/Q mismatch → hypoxemia

Clinical features

• Sudden dyspnea, pleuritic chest pain
• Tachypnea, tachycardia
• Hemoptysis in some cases

Lab findings

• D-dimer ↑ (sensitive, not specific)
• ABG: hypoxemia, respiratory alkalosis
• CT pulmonary angiography: definitive diagnosis

Treatment

• Anticoagulation (heparin → warfarin/DOAC)
• Thrombolysis for massive PE
• IVC filter if anticoagulation contraindicated