Intermediate-Risk Pulmonary Embolism: A Review of Contemporary Diagnosis, Risk Stratification and Management

Abstract

Pulmonary embolism (PE) can have a wide range of hemodynamic effects, from asymptomatic to a life-threatening medical emergency. Pulmonary embolism (PE) is associated with high mortality and requires careful risk stratification for individualized management. PE is divided into three risk categories: low risk, intermediate-risk, and high risk. In terms of initial therapeutic choice and long-term management, intermediate-risk (or submassive) PE remains the most challenging subtype. The definitions, classifications, risk stratification, and management options of intermediate-risk PE are discussed in this review.

Keywords

• pulmonary embolism
• sub-massive
• intermediate risk
• biomarkers
• risk stratification
• management