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Pulmonary embolism
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Abstract
Risk of the pulmonary embolism is relatively high in patients with advanced chronic diseases, particularly with malignancies. Differential diagnosis and the interpretation of diagnostic procedures may prove to be difficult. The mortality in untreated pulmonary embolism is high (30%) but appropriate treatment may decrease it to 2–18%. The treatment depends mainly on risk factors for recurrence and on performance status at diagnosis. Pulmonary embolism in advanced chronic disease is usually approached with anticoagulants. Recurrent pulmonary embolism may be managed with implantation of filters.
Abstract
Risk of the pulmonary embolism is relatively high in patients with advanced chronic diseases, particularly with malignancies. Differential diagnosis and the interpretation of diagnostic procedures may prove to be difficult. The mortality in untreated pulmonary embolism is high (30%) but appropriate treatment may decrease it to 2–18%. The treatment depends mainly on risk factors for recurrence and on performance status at diagnosis. Pulmonary embolism in advanced chronic disease is usually approached with anticoagulants. Recurrent pulmonary embolism may be managed with implantation of filters.
Keywords
pulmonary embolism; pulmonary perfusion scintigraphy; computed tomography; d-dimers; pulmonary angiography; anticoagulant therapy
About this articleTitle
Pulmonary embolism
Journal
Advances in Palliative Medicine
Issue
Vol 2, No 2 (2003): Polish Palliative Medicine
Pages
93-98
Published online
2003-02-05
Page views
638
Article views/downloads
18202
Bibliographic record
Advances in Palliative Medicine 2003;2(2):93-98.
Keywords
pulmonary embolism
pulmonary perfusion scintigraphy
computed tomography
d-dimers
pulmonary angiography
anticoagulant therapy
Authors
Ewa Jassem