Advancements in pulmonary embolism management include expanded diagnostic imaging, risk stratification based on right ventricular dysfunction, and the use of low molecular weight heparins.
May inform PE pathways using expanded imaging, RV stratification, and LMWH; leaves open need for prospective validation before broad adoption.
The epidemiology, diagnosis, treatment, and prophylaxis of PE are rapidly advancing. Our array of diagnostic imaging tools has expanded to include echocardiography and spiral chest CT with contrast. We have also gained a keen appreciation for the importance of risk stratification of our patients. The decision to administer thrombolysis or undertake embolectomy may now depend upon the presence of right ventricular dysfunction even if systemic arterial pressure is normal. Finally, the availability of low molecular weight heparins broadens our options for pharmacologic management.
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Samuel Z. Goldhaber (1999) studied this question.
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