Pulmonary Embolism (Blood Clot Of Lung)
Description
A blood clot in the pulmonary artery of the lung. Blood clots typically start in the legs and break off passing through the heart then into the pulmonary artery. These arteries get progressively smaller and the clot (embolus) eventually lodges into one of these arteries preventing blood flow. These clots cause lung dysfunction, and when large (saddle embolus) can result in rapid death. The following increase the risk of blood clots: recent surgery, previous blood clots, cancer, immobilization, sitting for prolonged periods of time, birth control pills, obesity and pregnancy.
Symptoms
Cough, shortness of breath, pain in ribs during breathing (pleuritic chest pain), chest pain, rapid breathing, rapid heart rate, blue discoloration of the skin (cyanosis), weak pulse, confusion.
Tests
A history and physical exam will be performed. Test to identify the blood clot and the damage to the lungs and body will be done. The diagnosis is typically made with a CT scan of the chest or ventilation and perfusion scan.
- CBC
- Chem 12
- Troponin
- D-Dimer
- X-Ray
- EKG
- CT Scan
- Ultrasound
Treatment
Immediate life-threatening pulmonary embolisms require dissolving the clot (thrombolysis) with a medication: tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA), streptokinase, or urokinase. Medications to prevent further clots are given and include: heparin, enoxapairn (lovenox), and/or warfarin (coumadin). Other treatments will depend on the damage done by the blood clot, but may include mechanical ventilation to maintain oxygen levels, and pressors to increase the blood pressure. For additional information contact the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute Health Information Center at: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov or call (301)592-8573. American Lung Association: (800)586-4872 National Jewish Medical and Research Center: (800)222-5864
Related Videos
News
A North Bay jury has awarded a Bonfield family more...
Gene therapy can reverse life-threatening condition...
A Heart and Stroke Foundation researcher has discov...
Scientists have discovered what could be the first ...
Share Your Experience
Do you have experience with this disease? Do you or someone
you know suffer from Pulmonary embolism (Blood clot of lung)?
Please share you experience with other members of the iTriage community.