Evidence-Based Management of Pulmonary Embolism in the Emergency Department

Points and Pearls Excerpt

• Even with appropriate care, approximately 15%-30% of patients with pulmonary embolism (PE) will die within 90 days,^1-3 potentially from the underlying medical pathology that led to the clot.
• Chest pain, dyspnea, and hemoptysis are common signs of PE; establishing the time of onset of symptoms can help determine the cause.
• Isolated syncope with no other symptoms suggestive for PE is not an indication for an evaluation for thromboembolic disease.
• Other findings in PE include tachypnea, tachycardia, cyanosis, lower extremity edema, and deep vein thrombosis.