Q: What is the definition of pulmonary embolism?
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A: Pulmonary embolism refers to embolic occlusion of the pulmonary arterial system. The majority of cases result from thrombotic occlusion, and therefore the condition is frequently termed pulmonary thromboembolism.
Q: Which conditions lead to the generation of venous thromboembolism?
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A: Various conditions lead to the generation of venous thromboembolism. Virchow`s triad of hypercoagulability, venous stasis, and vessel wall injury provides a model for understanding many risk factors.
Q: How originate pulmonary embolism?
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A: Most pulmonary embolisms originate as venous thromboembolism in the lower extremities or pelvic veins. Less frequently, they originate from upper extremity thromboembolic events.
Q: What are the risk factors for thromboembolic events?
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A: The major risk factors for thromboembolic events include recent immobilization, myocardial infarction, cerebrovascular accidents, surgery, recent trauma, prior venous thromboembolism, advanced age, malignancy, thrombophilia, and an indwelling venous catheter. Moderate risk factors are family history of venous thromboembolism, estrogen or hormone replacement therapy, smoking, pregnancy, and obesity.
Q: What is the definition of incidental pulmonary embolism?
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A: The incidental pulmonary embolism is a filling defect of one or more pulmonary arteries seen on imaging ordered for indications other than suspected PE.
Q: The prevalence of incidental pulmonary embolism is higher in outpatients or inpatients?
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A: The prevalence of incidental PE is higher in inpatients than in outpatients and increases with age. The incidental diagnosis of PE is also more common in patients with cancer than in patients without cancer.
Q: What is the prevalence of incidental pulmonary embolism?
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A: The estimated overall mean prevalence of incidental PE is 2.6%, ranging between 1.2% in outpatients and 4.0% in inpatients
Q: Which are the clinical manifestations of pulmonary embolism?
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A: Patients with pulmonary embolism may be asymptomatic or present with sudden death. Characteristic signs and symptoms are non-specific. Dyspnea, pleuritic pain, calf or thigh pain, and cough are common symptoms. Common signs include tachypnea, tachycardia, hypoxemia, and calf or thigh swelling.
Q: Why is it essential to do the early recognition of pulmonary embolism?
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A: Prompt diagnosis of pulmonary embolism is crucial because of the high associated mortality and morbidity, without early diagnosis and treatment. Failure to diagnose pulmonary embolism is a severe error since 30% of untreated patients succumb. In contrast, only 8% die with effective therapy.
Q: What consists of the general treatment of pulmonary embolism?
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A: The treatment of pulmonary embolism includes system anticoagulation, thrombolysis or thrombectomy, and inferior vena cava filter placement.