Pulmonary embolism Flashcards
1
Q
What would a patient present with that should always suggest PE?
A
Sudden collapse 1-2 weeks postop
2
Q
What is the mechanism of PE?
A
Venous thrombi, most likely from DVT, break off and travel through pulmonary circulation to block blood flow to lungs.
3
Q
Risk factors for PE
A
Malignancy DVT Immobility Surgery COCP Thromboembolism
4
Q
Signs and symptoms of PE
A
Breathlessness Pleuritic chest pain Haemoptysis Hypotension -> massive PE Tachycardia Acute dyspnoea/tachypnoea Syncope JVP increase Examine legs for DVT
5
Q
PE investigations
A
ABG CXR ECG Bloods for: FBC, U+E, baseline clotting, serum D-dimer CTPA (pulmonary angio)
