Study of clinical profile and management of patients with pulmonary embolism – Single center study

Abstract

Objective: To study the clinical profile, diagnostic methods and management in patients with symptomatic pulmonary embolism (PE). Methods: Retrospective assessment of clinical features and management of patients presenting with symptomatic pulmonary embolism from January 2005 to March 2012. Results: 35 patients who were newly diagnosed to have pulmonary embolism with a mean age of 52.1 years were included in the study. Dyspnea (91.4%) and syncope (22.8%) were the predominant symptoms. Echocardiography was done in all patients. 30 patients (85.7%) had pulmonary arterial hypertension, 31 patients (88.5%) had evidence of RV dysfunction and 4 patients (16.7%) had evidence of thrombus in PA, RV. Out of 35 patients, 34 patients (97.14%) showed positive d-dimer reports. Among 35 patients, 24 (68.5%) had positive troponin values. V/Q scan was done in 14 patients (40%) and CT pulmonary angiogram (CTPA) was done in 24 patients (68.5%.). Thrombolysis was done is 24 patients (68.5%). All patients received low molecular weight heparin followed by warfarin. Of the 35 patients, 34 (97.1%) were discharged and were under regular follow up for 6 months and one patient died during the hospital stay. Conclusion: Pulmonary embolism is a common problem and can be easily diagnosed provided it is clinically suspected. Early diagnosis and aggressive management is the key to successful outcome.

Keywords

• Pulmonary embolism
• Spiral CTPA
• Anticoagulation
• Thrombolysis
• Venous thromboembolism