A pulmonary embolism is a blockage of an artery in the lungs. It is caused by a clot that travels through the bloodstream to the lungs. Once the clot is stuck in a lung artery, it blocks the blood from nourishing that lung. The tissues on the other side of the blockage may die if it doesn't receive enough blood from other sources. The lung may become damaged and stop working properly. In severe cases this can lead to death.
An embolism occurs when a clot moves through the bloodstream from the location where it was formed and becomes stuck in a blood vessel. An embolus, can be a blood clot, air bubble, or piece of fat, bone marrow, or tumor tissue.
The embolus in a
pulmonary embolism
is usually a blood clot. A blood clot that forms and remains in a vein is called a thrombus. It most often starts in a vein in the legs or pelvis.
Risk Factors
A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition.
The symptoms of pulmonary embolism vary in type and severity depending on the size and location of the blockage, and the area affected by the lack of blood. Symptoms may include:
Shortness of breath that starts suddenly for no obvious reason
Chest pain, especially when breathing or coughing (it can mimic a
heart attack
)
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. Tests may include:
Arterial blood gas study
—a blood test to identify oxygen levels and other gases that are indicators of lung function
Chest x-ray
—a test that uses radiation to take a picture of structures inside the chest. A pulmonary embolism cannot be seen on the chest x-ray. Sometimes however it is associated with the lung infarct that can be visualized.
Lung perfusion scan—a test that uses radioactive isotopes to measure breathing and circulation in all areas of the lungs. The presence of an embolus will show as a mismatch between ventilation of the portion of the lung and its blood perfusion.
CT scan of the chest
—a type of x-ray that uses a computer to make pictures of the inside of the chest. A spiral CT is a special type of a CT scan that is able to make tri-dimensional pictures. It is also a very fast scan that can be completed in a very short period of time. It has become highly popular in diagnosing pulmonary embolism.
Pulmonary
Angiogram
—
x-rays taken after a dye is injected into the blood vessels in the lungs. The test shows areas of blockage in the lungs. It provides a clear picture of blood flow through the arteries but this test is associated with relatively high risks for a patient.
Pulmonary
Angiogram
—
x-rays taken after a dye is injected into the blood vessels in the lungs. The test shows areas of blockage in the lungs. It provides a clear picture of blood flow through the arteries but this test is associated with relatively high risks for a patient.
Pulmonary
Angiogram
—
x-rays taken after a dye is injected into the blood vessels in the lungs. The test shows areas of blockage in the lungs. It provides a clear picture of blood flow through the arteries but this test is associated with relatively high risks for a patient.
MR angiography — The use of magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) for the diagnosis of PE is rather limited, however it may be more usueful in the future as the technologic advances continue.
Electrocardiogram
(ECG, EKG)
—a test that records the heart's activity by measuring electrical currents through the heart muscle. In case of pulmonary embolism, tachycardia (rapid heart beat) is frequently seen as well as several rhythm patterns that can help in making the diagnosis.
Additional tests may be done to check blood flow or look for clots in the veins, especially in the legs.
Also, there are a few blood tests available that can help in making the diagnosis:
D-Dimer—a clot dissolving substance. Increased levels in the blood may suggest the presence of the clot. It is unfortunately a nonspecific test and a lot of different conditions may cause (eg, recent surgery) it to be elevated.
If you have a family history of blood clots, and had a few instances of blood clots for no apparent reason, your doctor may order additional blood tests. The tests will look for possible inherited defects in your clotting system. The two most frequent genetic abnormalities that increase your risk of forming blood clots are Factor V Leiden mutation (seen in up to 40 percent of cases) and increased factor VIII.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the size and severity of the clot. Emergency treatment and hospitalization may be needed.
Treatments include:
Medicine
Options include:
Thrombolytic medicine to dissolve clots, for example:
Streptokinase
Urokinase
Tissue plasminogen activator (TPA)
Anticoagulant medicine, called blood thinners, such as heparin or warfarin, to prevent more clots from forming
Surgery
In some cases when the blockage is very large, a type of surgery called embolectomy may be done to remove it.
Clot-Trapping Filter
If you have a repeated problem with blood clots, surgery may be performed to place a filter in the main vein that leads from the legs to the heart and lungs. This filter traps clots before they can reach the lungs.
Prevention
Prevention of pulmonary embolism means preventing clots from forming.
You can help prevent clots with a healthful lifestyle:
Eat a healthful diet, one that is low in total fat as well as saturated fat, and rich in whole grains, legumes, fruits, and vegetables.
Exercise regularly.
Walk or move your legs to break up long periods of sitting. If your are traveling, get up and walk around every 3 hours.
Don't smoke.
Unless you are on a fluid-restricted diet, be sure to drink lots of water.
People at high risk of developing blood clots can do the following:
Take medicine, if your doctor recommends it. Anticoagulant drugs such as warfarin or heparin are most commonly used.
Wear elastic stockings (also called support hose) to improve circulation in your legs.
RESOURCES:
American Lung Association http://www.lungusa.org
American College of Surgeons http://www.facs.org/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Lung Association http://www.lung.ca
Health Canada http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/index_e.html
References:
Canadian Lung Association website. Available at:
http://www.lung.ca
.
Gibson, NS, Sohne, M, Buller, HR. Prognostic value of echocardiography and spiral computed tomography in patients with pulmonary embolism. Curr Opin Pulm Med 2005; 11:380.
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Simon and Schuster, Inc.; 1999.
Ohno, Y, Higashino, T, Takenaka, D, et al. MR Angiography with sensitivity encoding (SENSE) for suspected pulmonary embolism: comparison with mdct and ventilation-perfusion scintigraphy. AJR Am J Roentgenol 2004; 183:91.
Philbrick JT, Shumate R, Siadaty MS, Becker DM. Air travel and venous thromboembolism: a systematic review.
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JAMA
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Qaseem A, Snow V, Barry P, Hornbake ER, Rodnick JE, Tobolic T, et al; Joint American Academy of Family Physicians/American College of Physicians Panel on Deep Venous Thrombosis/Pulmonary Embolism. Current diagnosis of venous thromboembolism in primary care: a clinical practice guideline from the American Academy of Family Physicians and the American College of Physicians.
Ann Intern Med
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Rosendaal, FR. Venous thrombosis: A multicausal disease.
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Rubini G, Niccoli Asabella A, Stabile Ianora AA, Rubini D, Gaudiano A, Angelelli G, et al.Acute pulmonary embolism: comparison and integration of perfusion lung scintigraphy with multislice spiral CT.
Radiol Med (Torino)
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Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
