Pulmonary embolism (blood clot of lung)

About Pulmonary embolism (blood clot of lung)

A blood clot in a pulmonary artery (the circulation of the lung.) Blood clots typically start in a vein in the leg. A clot builds up stuck to the wall of the vein, and some or all of the clot can break off, pass through the heart, and then float into a pulmonary artery. These arteries get progressively smaller and the clot (embolus) eventually lodges into one of these arteries preventing blood flow. These clots make circulation through the lungs inefficient so the lungs do not work as well. When the clot is very large (called a saddle embolus) it can result in rapid death. The following increase the risk of blood clots: recent surgery, previous blood clots, cancer, immobilization, sitting for prolonged periods of time, birth control pills, surgery and pregnancy.

Symptoms

Cough, shortness of breath, pain in ribs during breathing (pleuritic chest pain), chest pain, rapid breathing, rapid heart rate, blue discoloration of the skin (cyanosis), weak pulse, confusion.

Tests & Diagnostics

A history and physical exam will be performed. Tests including a chest x-ray, an EKG (electrocardiogram), and ultrasound of the veins in the leg are done. The diagnosis is confirmed with a CT scan of the chest or less commonly, a specialized scan called a ventilation and perfusion scan.

Common tests: Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, D-Dimer, EKG, Troponin, Ultrasound, X-ray.

Path 3 — Prescription Options

Prescription medications

Conventional treatment summary

Most of the time, a pulmonary embolus requires a hospital stay for initial treatment. Immediate life-threatening pulmonary embolisms require dissolving the clot (thrombolysis) with a medication: tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA), streptokinase, or urokinase. Medications to stabilize the clot and to prevent further clots are given and include: heparin, enoxaparin (Lovenox), and/or warfarin (Coumadin). Emergency treatments may include mechanical ventilation to maintain oxygen levels, and pressors to increase the blood pressure. For additional information contact the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute Health Information Center at: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov or call (301)592-8573. American Lung Association: (800)586-4872 National Jewish Medical and Research Center: (800)222-5864

Medical specialties

Internal Medicine · Pulmonology · Family Practice · Hematology and Oncology · Pediatric Pulmonology · Pediatric Hematology and Oncology

This page is educational content, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis and treatment of Pulmonary embolism (blood clot of lung).