Mechanism of mortality in individuals with elevated risk pulmonary emboli: A multicenter analysis of a contemporary cohort

BACKGROUND: The underlying causes of mortality in patients with pulmonary embolism have been investigated in the past, yet management of pulmonary emboli has evolved and newer therapeutic options are available. METHODS: Data from four hospitals during 2022-2025 were analyzed and all patients with intermediate-high risk and high risk pulmonary emboli who died during follow up were included. RESULTS: The main cause of mortality in intermediate-high risk PE was unrelated to the PE, contrasting that of high-risk PE. Almost 90% of deaths in patients with high-risk PE occurred during the index hospitalization, whereas intermediate-high-risk PE occurred after discharge. Notably, 11% of the subjects in the cohort had intra-procedural thrombectomy mortality. CONCLUSIONS: The results depicted in the research letter provide insight into the mechanism of morality in patients with pulmonary emboli by risk category and thereby help improve care and patient selection for interventions.