Diagnosis and management of pulmonary embolism

Why is pulmonary embolism important?Symptomatic venous thromboembolism occurs in 1–2 per 1000 adults each year, with about a third presenting with pulmonary embolism.1 2 Pulmonary embolism is the most common cause of vascular death after myocardial infarction and stroke, and the leading preventable cause of death in hospital patients.2 About 10% or more of cases of symptomatic pulmonary embolism are thought to be rapidly fatal, and another 5% of patients die after starting treatment. About a third of patients are left with some residual symptoms, and 2% develop thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension due to unresolved pulmonary embolism.3