Abstract
Pulmonary embolism (PE) continues to be associated with significant mortality despite advances in the diagnostic techniques available for its detection. Anticoagulation remains standard treatment in PE although there is a consensus view that `step-up' to thrombolytic therapy in addition to anticoagulation is indicated in those patients who are systemically shocked at presentation - a group defined as having suffered `massive pulmonary embolism'. Considerable research has been directed at attempting to identify further groups of patients with PE who are at high risk of morbidity and mortality - notably those who are labelled as having suffered `sub-massive pulmonary embolism' where this is defined as the presence of right-heart strain in the absence of systemic shock. In particular, the potential benefit of extending thrombolytic therapy to include those patients with sub-massive PE has been the subject of much enquiry and debate. This review examines the evidence for thrombolytic therapy and explores the potential for risk stratification in PE.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 1-5 |
Journal | Clinical Medicine |
Volume | 9 |
Issue number | 5 |
Publication status | Published - 2009 |