Via practica 1/2012

Pulmonary embolism

Pulmonary embolism is a serious disease with mortality approximately 15%, which exceeds the mortality rate for acute myocardial infarction. It strikes a wide range of individuals, its onset is unpredictable, and though the patient survives, the following chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension seriously impairs the quality of life. Therefore, the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of pulmonary embolism is of paramount importance. The presented article provides topical information regarding pulmonary embolism utilizable in everyday practice.

Keywords: pulmonary embolism, deep vein thrombosis, chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension, thrombolytic therapy, anticoagulational therapy.