Pulmonary embolism Flashcards
describe what a pulmonary embolism is(PE)
an embolus occluding the pulmonary circulation, usually comes from a DVT
what are the symptoms of a PE
acute dyspnoea, pleuritic chest pain, haemoptysis
what investigations can be done for a PE
D-dimer, CT pulmonary angiogram, V/Q mismatch if CTPA contraindicated
what changes may be seen in an ECG in a PE
right heart strain, RBBB, tachycardia
what is the initial treatment for a PE
low molecular weight heparin
what is the definitive treatment for a PE
warfarin or DOAC(direct oral anticoagulant)
give an example of a direct oral anticoagulant
rivaroxaban
what treatment should be given if patient is haemodynamically unstable
thrombolysis
what treatment is given if there are recurrent emboli despite drug treatment
vena cava filter
