Epidemiology, diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary thromboembolism: review article

High incidence and mortality rate of pulmonary thromboembolism urge physicians to be aware of its occurrence and treatment. Pulmonary thromboembolism (PE) typically manifests itself with acute dyspnea and tachycardia and may occur along with deep vein thrombosis. However, syncope, chest pain and heart failure decompensation in previously stable patients might be another presenting signs and symptoms.  Although there are several guidelines about PE prophylaxis both in medical and surgical patients, guideline adherence is not good enough. The most important reasons are; inappropriate PE risk scoring, insufficient prophylaxis dosage and the fear of probable bleeding. Both unfractionated and low-molecular-weight heparin has been suggested as prophylactic agents. The role of echocardiography in the diagnosis of PE has been challenged; however, it is mandatory to do an echocardiogram to define the prognosis and also the proper treatment approach. Based on the severity of right ventricular dysfunction, biomarker levels and hemodynamic status of the patients, they will be categorized as low, moderate and high-risk. Moderate to high risk patients should be planned for more invasive treatments such as thrombolytic therapy. In conclusion, PE is the third common cardio-vascular acute condition after myocardial infarction and cerebrovascular accident. The most important reason for death in PE is right-side heart failure. Besides, PE is the most preventable fatal disease in hospitalized patients. Long hospital stay, inappropriate thromboembolic prophylaxis and baseline comorbidities predispose patients to this fatal event. Sometimes, the fear of probable bleeding precludes guideline-based thromboprophylaxis, especially in post-operative patients. If PE occurs; it will be hard to manage and treat. New oral anticoagulants are advised as fixed-dose which does not need to be closely monitored. Drug and food interaction is significantly lower in New oral anticoagulants (NOACs). Thrombo-prophylaxis is better than mechanical thrombo-prophylaxis. Post-discharge thromboprophylaxis is also advised in orthopedic patients. It is mandatory to advise patients to walk after discharge and avoid long-term bedrest if possible. A too early discharge may also be an important risk factor and prone patients to PE at home.