Acute Pulmonary Embolism: Part II

Abstract

Pulmonary embolism (PE) presents with a wide clinical spectrum, from asymptomatic small PE to life-threatening major PE that causes hypotension and cardiogenic shock (Table). Traditionally, our risk assessment is done by gestalt . However, a more precise risk assessment can be obtained by using a formal clinical scoring system, such as the Geneva Prognostic Index.1 The Geneva Prognostic Index uses an 8-point scoring system and identifies 6 predictors of adverse outcome: 2 points each for cancer and hypotension and 1 point each for heart failure, prior deep vein thrombosis (DVT), arterial hypoxemia, and ultrasound-proven DVT. As points accumulate, prognosis worsens. Remarkably, hypoxemia accounts for only 1 of 8 points. View this table: Risk Stratification Physical examination, ECG, chest radiograph, CT scan, and echocardiogram2 can provide evidence of right ventricular dysfunction, a key prognostic marker of high risk and increased major adverse clinical events. The most recent development in prognostication is the use of biomarkers2a such as troponin elevation,3 which indicates right ventricular microinfarction, and elevations of pro-B–type natriuretic peptide4 and B-type natriuretic peptide, which indicate right ventricular overload.5,6 On physical examination, general clinical appearance is useful, but young patients may appear deceptively well despite massive PE. Clues to right heart failure include distended jugular veins, an accentuated pulmonic heart sound, and a tricuspid regurgitation murmur. The ECG may show a classic S1Q3T3 pattern but more often will demonstrate a less commonly recognized sign of right ventricular strain, T wave inversion in leads V1 through V4. New incomplete or complete right bundle-branch block is a very useful sign of right ventricular dysfunction. The chest radiograph may show enlarged pulmonary arteries, especially an enlarged right descending pulmonary artery, indicating pulmonary hypertension. Although the chest CT scan is performed primarily to detect or exclude PE, information about …