Pulmonary embolism

Thromboembolism of the pulmonary artery (abdominal PE) is a blockage of the pulmonary artery by blood clots (thrombi). Most often, thrombi enter the pulmonary artery from the vessels of the lower extremities, especially from the femoral vein. In addition, although blockage of thrombi is the main cause of PE, but there is a risk of blockage of the pulmonary artery by fatty, airy or just foreign emboli.

Causes of PE

The main cause of such a pathology as pulmonary embolism is, as already mentioned, thrombosis of the veins of the lower extremities, so people who suffer from varicose veins have a greater risk of spontaneous PE.

In addition, the risk factors include the presence of the patient's nervous diseases, which are accompanied by paresis of limbs, oncological diseases in the active phase, diseases that rivet the patient to bed, hormonal therapy, as well as the use of oral contraceptives.

The relationship between PE and CHF (cardiovascular diseases) remains unclear . In addition, a high incidence of this disease in smokers, people suffering from hypertension and obesity.

Quite often, in 30% of cases, the disease arises spontaneously, without predisposing factors, especially since individual symptoms of the disease, which do not fit into the overall picture of the disease, have to be disregarded.

Thromboembolic complications (symptoms of the disease)

In 90% of all cases, pulmonary embolism begins with chest pain, dyspnoea (respiratory failure), and a fainting condition, and these symptoms can manifest themselves both collectively and separately.

Methods for diagnosis of pulmonary embolism

• Determination of plasma D-dimer in the blood. D-dimer is a substance that is a product of fibrin cleavage. Its level rises in blood plasma in the presence of thrombi, that is, according to D-dimer, it is possible to calculate the risk of PE or at least venous embolism.

• CT scans. Since with PE in 90% of cases, thrombosis of the veins of the lower extremities is detected, then it is possible to prevent the disease beforehand by doing CT CT scan.

• Ventilation-perfusion scinigraphy. UPU is one of the safest methods for diagnosing PE - today there are very few allergic reactions to the injected diagnostic drug. The principle of the UPU is the introduction of labeled albumin particles, which allow one to assess pulmonary perfusion at the tissue level.

• Angiography of pulmonary vessels. Angiography is an old enough way to diagnose a pathology such as pulmonary embolism. Today, the method has undergone many improvements, as a result of which, even a blood clot of 1 mm in size can be visualized by angiography.

• Echocardiography. Expansion of the right ventricle of the heart is found in a quarter of all patients with PE, therefore this method of diagnosis is also very important.

Treatment and prevention of thromboembolic complications.

• Conservative treatment. Performs the role of health-supporting treatment for other therapeutic interventions.

• Thrombolysis. Thrombolytic therapy positively influences hemodynamics and significantly accelerates obstruction.

• Anticoagulant therapy. Today, anticoagulant therapy is practically the leader among all methods of treating pulmonary embolism. The therapy is carried out by low-molecular heparin and other anticoagulant agents.

• Venous filters. They are installed on the deep veins of the lower extremities, not allowing the thrombus to go up. Such filters can serve for a long time, helping people avoid complications of venous thromboembolism.

• Embollectomy is a surgical method for the removal of a thrombus, has been successfully used since 1924, so there are many options for its implementation, including percutaneous catheterization and removal of the embolus without a cut.

Modern medicine does not stand still. Doctors and scientists are constantly improving methods of treatment. However, to monitor one's own health is the duty of the person himself first of all.