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Emergency Medicine Cases

Ep 203 Intermediate Risk Pulmonary Embolism Risk Stratification, Management and Algorithm

Apr 1, 2025
Dr. Lauren Westafer, a PE researcher and Foamcast host, along with Dr. Justin Morgenstern, a regular contributor to EM platforms, and Dr. Bourke Tillman, an intensivist, dive into the complexities of managing intermediate-risk pulmonary embolism (PE). They discuss vital risk stratification techniques, including the use of biomarkers and imaging. The conversation also highlights crucial treatment decisions, weighing thrombolysis against anticoagulation, and the role of clinical judgment in dynamic situations. Their insights aim to enhance emergency care strategies for this challenging condition.
01:35:58

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Effective risk stratification is crucial for managing intermediate-risk pulmonary embolism patients to optimize treatment decisions and outcomes.
  • Utilizing diagnostic tools like echocardiograms and CT pulmonary angiograms is essential for assessing right ventricular strain in PE cases.

Deep dives

Importance of Risk Stratification in PE

The podcast emphasizes the critical need for effective risk stratification in patients diagnosed with pulmonary embolism (PE), particularly focusing on those classified as intermediate risk. These patients may not exhibit signs of shock but are also not stable enough for outpatient treatment. The heterogeneity within this group makes decision-making challenging, as some may require simple anticoagulation while others may need more aggressive interventions such as thrombolytics or embolectomy. Understanding the nuances of this classification is vital since it directly impacts patient outcomes and management strategies in emergency settings.

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