Pulmonary infarction in acute pulmonary embolism

Pulmonary infarction results from occlusion of the distal pulmonary arteries leading to ischemia, hemorrhage and ultimately necrosis lung parenchyma. It is most commonly caused by acute embolism (PE), with a reported incidence around 30%. Following an artery, bronchial are recruited as primary source perfusion capillaries. The relatively higher blood pressure in circulation causes increase capillary flow, extravasation erythrocytes (i.e. alveolar hemorrhage). If this cannot be resorbed, it tissue infarction. Different definitions used literature (clinical, radiological histological), although diagnosis nowadays mostly based on characteristics. Notably, infarcted area only replaced fibrotic scar over period months. Hence formally, confirmed upon PE. Little known impact relevance PE, whether specific management strategies should applied prevent and/or treat complications such pain, pneumonia or post-PE syndrome. In review we will summarize current knowledge pathophysiology, epidemiology, prognosis setting We highlight need for dedicated studies overcome gaps.