Bloody Minded Episode 65 - Take Your Breath Away | Pulmonary Embolism
Oct 21, 2025
Join the lively discussion as the hosts delve into pulmonary embolism, exploring its clinical importance and risk factors. They share common signs and symptoms, from dyspnea to ECG changes, and break down essential diagnostic tests like CTPA and D-dimer criteria. Treatment strategies are covered, including anticoagulation and reperfusion therapies, with special attention to PE during pregnancy. Wrap it up with key take-home points that highlight the significance of timely diagnosis and management.
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PE Is Common And Age-Driven
- Pulmonary embolism (PE) is an arterial obstruction in the lungs usually from a dislodged DVT.
- Incidence rises with age and improved detection increases observed cases but mortality has declined.
How Clots Reach And Lodge In Lungs
- Emboli travel from peripheral veins to the pulmonary arterial tree and lodge where vessels narrow.
- Saddle PEs sit at the bifurcation and large proximal DVTs more commonly embolize.
Assess Symptoms And Use ECG For Stability
- Check for sudden dyspnea, pleuritic chest pain, hemoptysis, syncope and signs of DVT when suspecting PE.
- Use ECG primarily to assess stability and look for sinus tachycardia or RV strain, not to rule in PE.