PULMONARY EMBOLISM-FOLLOW UP

SUMMARY

PROGNOSIS
1. Mortality low overall (0.2%)
2. Mortality for Massive PE or Submassive PE was 5-6%, for Massive PE with shock was 32%^[1]

INVESTIGATIONS
3. Massive PE: repeat imaging and echocardiogram to rule out CTEPH
4. Still symptomatic after 6 months: repeat imaging and echocardiogram to rule out CTEPH

PREVENTION
5. Long term anticoagulation
6. Aspirin
7. Anticoagulation cover for long haul flights and operations
8. Plan pregnancies
9. Screen for thrombophilia: indicated in young patients (< 50 years)

Reference(s)

↑ Alpert JS, Smith R, Carlson CJ, Ockene IS, Dexter L, Dalen JE . Mortality in Patients Treated for Pulmonary Embolism. JAMA. 1976;236(13):1477-1480.

Wilkinson, I. (2017). Oxford handbook of clinical medicine. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Hannaman, R. A., Bullock, L., Hatchell, C. A., & Yoffe, M. (2016). Internal medicine review core curriculum, 2017-2018. CO Springs, CO: MedStudy.
Therapeutic Guidelines. Melbourne: Therapeutic Guidelines Limited. https://www.tg.org.au [Accessed 2021].

[1] Alpert JS, Smith R, Carlson CJ, Ockene IS, Dexter L, Dalen JE . Mortality in Patients Treated for Pulmonary Embolism. JAMA. 1976;236(13):1477-1480.

[1]