: Roughly 70% to 80% of emboli arise from proximal deep veins in the legs or pelvis.
: The mainstay for most patients. Low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) is often preferred over unfractionated heparin (UFH) for initial treatment. Long-term management typically involves Direct Oral Anticoagulants (DOACs) like apixaban or rivaroxaban. Download Embolie pulmonaire aiguГ« pdf
Patients with a first episode of unprovoked PE usually require anticoagulation for at least 3 to 6 months. Extended therapy may be necessary if persistent risk factors exist. Long-term monitoring is essential to detect rare complications like , which can present as persistent breathlessness months after the initial event. : Roughly 70% to 80% of emboli arise
Treatment strategies are dictated by the patient's hemodynamic stability and risk category. Management and Treatment
: Tools such as the Wells Score or Geneva Score assess pre-test probability. The PERC (Pulmonary Embolism Rule-out Criteria) is used to safely exclude PE in low-risk patients without further testing.
: For high-risk (hemodynamically unstable) patients, systemic thrombolysis (e.g., Alteplase) is recommended to rapidly dissolve the clot.
) scans are alternatives for patients with renal issues or contrast allergies. Management and Treatment