Abstrakt

Pulmonary embolism is a frequent condition with a broad clinical spectrum that may range from asymptomatic event to life-threatening shock. In many cases embolic diseases are difficult to diagnose. Therefore a diagnostic algorithm may be helpful. This algorithm includes tests of probability of pulmonary embolism by using clinical findings, laboratory tests, echocardiography, and computed tomography of the thorax. Acute therapy is depending on patients hemodynamic stability as well as echocardiographic findings. In patients without both hemodynamic compromise and right ventricular dysfunction the preferable pharmacologic agent in acute treatment is low-molecular-weight heparin considering renal insufficiency. In patients suffering from renal impairment the administration of unfractionated heparin is indicated. Thrombolysis is recommended for patient with hemodynamic instability unless there are major bleeding risks.

Autoreninformation

Autoren

• W. Petermann

Abteilungen

• Medizinische Klinik, Brüderkrankenhaus St. Josef, Paderborn

Adresse

Prof. Dr. med. W. Petermann
Medizinische Klinik
Brüderkankenhaus St. Josef
Husener Straße 46
D–33098 Paderborn
Email: [email protected]

Citation