Respiratory disorders: Pulmonary Thromboembolism

Question 1

PTE most often occurs due to a formation of a clot from within the ____ side of the heart or at a distant site in venous system. Thrombosis in situ can also occur, often as a result of -?

Answer 1

Right

Pulmonary hypertension, heartworm disease, or other disorders of the pulmonary vasculature

Question 2

Disorders associated with PTE include -?

Answer 2

IMHA, neoplasia, sepsis, PLE/ PLN, cardiac disease, hyperadrenocorticism, trauma or central catheter induced

Question 3

While underdiagnosed in most small animal patients, pulmonary infarction ______ (always/occasionally/rarely) contributes to clinical manifestation.

Diagnostic testing includes -?

Answer 3

Rarely

CBC/ Chem, UA, Coombs test, D-dimer concentration, blood gas analysis, diagnostic imaging (radiography, echocardiography)

Question 4

What may be seen on the thoracic imaging in patients with suspected PTE?

Answer 4

Normal radiographic appearance to pleural effusion, alveolar infiltrates, cardiomegaly, or enlargement of the pulmonary artery/ loss of vasculature detail of the pulmonary artery as well

Question 5

Treatment for patients with PTE include -?

Answer 5

Thrombolytics (Streptokinase) are recommended with right ventricular enlargement

Anticoagulants aims to reduce growth and prevent new emboli, ideally with 3 month long therapy