Pulmonary embolism

Definition

• Embolism involving the pulmonary arteries, most often thromboembolism, though other etiologies are possible

Classification

• Massive PE, defined by having all of:
  • Hypotension, with SBP <90 OR a decrease of 40 for at least 15 minutes; and
  • Requiring pressors; and
  • Not explained by another cause
• Submassive PE: RV dysfunction or troponins/BNP elevated
• Low risk: no RV dysfunction, no hypotension or shock, troponins/BNP normal

Prognosis

• Low risk: mortality <1%
• Sub-massive: mortallity 6-12%
• Massive: mortality 55-70%