PULMONARY EMBOLISM-SEVERITY

SUMMARY

1. PE are divided into 3 groups: massive, submassive, and low-risk.

2. Massive PE is defined as having sustained hypotension, pulselessness, or persistent, profound, bradycardia.

3. Submassive PE is defined as having normal blood pressure but evidence of RV dysfunction. It often has elevated troponins.

4. Low-risk PE is defined as resulting in normal blood pressure and normal biomarkers.

5. The Wells prediction rules determine the pretest probability of PE based on clinical findings and history.

Reference(s)

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].