This document discusses pulmonary embolism, which occurs when a blood clot blocks an artery in the lungs, potentially causing life-threatening issues. Common sources of emboli are deep leg veins. Emboli travel through veins and arteries to the lungs where they can become trapped, most often in the lower portions of the lungs. This blockage increases blood pressure on the right side of the heart and decreases cardiac output, potentially leading to heart failure and low blood oxygen levels. Risk factors include recent surgery, leg injuries, birth control use, and cancer. Diagnosis involves imaging tests and blood tests. Treatment consists of blood thinners, clot-busting drugs, and removing clots surgically.

2.  Blockage in one of the pulmonary arteries
 Blocking blood flow to the lungs, therefore can
be life-threatening
 deep veins in the legs are common sources of
emboli: external iliac v., femoral v. , popliteal v.
 Emboli travels up the IVC → RA → RV →
pulmonary artery
 Artery gets narrower and emboli traps
 Due to gravity more embolism in the lower
portion of the lung

4.  ↑ pulmonary vascular pressure = backflow of
blood = ↑ right ventricular pressure = R.H failure
 Affected L.H = ↓ C. output = sympathetic reflex =
↑ HR and vasoconstriction
Pathophysiology
 Obstruction = Ventilation perfusion
mismatch
 Inflammation = cytokines =
bronchoconstriction = deep and frequent
breathing = hypoxemia + respiratory
alkalosis

5. • Wheezing
• Syncope and delirium
• Rapid or irregular heartbeat
• Lightheadedness or dizziness
• Excessive sweating
• Fever
• Leg pain or swelling, or both,
usually in the calf caused by a
deep vein thrombosis
• Clammy or discolored skin
(cyanosis)

6. • Orthopedic procedures (hip,
knee replacement);
• Abdominal/pelvic surgery;
• Varicose veins;
• No prophylaxis (anticoagulants
after surgery);
• Obesity;
• Women >30 – using OCP
• Smoking
• Immunodeficiency;
• Malignancy;
• Thrombotic disorders;

7.  X-rays –
to exclude pneumonia or
pneumothorax.
enlarged pulmonary artery.
Wedge-shaped opacity.
 ECG - tachycardia
 Computer tomography
 V/Q scan
 Pulmonary angiography
 D-meter in the blood

8. Treatment
Medications:
• Anticoagulants
• Thrombolytics
Surgical:
• Clot removal
• Vein filter

9. Thank You