Pulmonary Embolism

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Definitions
  • Pulmonary Embolism (PE) refers to an obstruction of the pulmonary artery and/or branches
  • A thrombus from the deep vein migrates to the right side of the heart and lodges itself in the pulmonary arteries [2,3]
  • This is a complication of a Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
  • Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot in the venous circulation of the deep veins
  • Pathogenesis (Virchow"s triad): [4]
1.  Venostasis (alteration in blood flow)
  • Long flights, recent surgery, immobility
2.  Hypercoagulability (inherited or acquired)
  • Cancer, Factor V Leiden
3.  Vessel wall injury or abnormality
  • Trauma
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