Cor Vasa 2004, 45(3):115-122
Echocardiography in acute pulmonary embolism
- Kardiologické oddělení Interní kliniky, Krajská nemocnice Pardubice, Pardubice, Česká republika
Rapid and correct diagnosis of pulmonary embolism (PE) can identify the subgroup of patients at increased risk of in-hospital mortality and improves their short-term prognosis. Of particular importance is the ability of the ultrasound investigation to recognize the relatively specific signs of right ventricular dysfunction in PE (characteristic hypokinesis of the free wall of the right ventricle). Differential diagnosis of other diseases potentially responsible for the symptom of presenting patients (e. g., acute myocardial infarction, aortic dissection or septic shock) as well as a proven patent foramen ovale or a thrombus in the right atrium can also affect the clinical algorithms. Ultrasound examination has a special importance in the clinical setting where aggressive antithrombotic or even thrombolytic therapy has to be considered and pulmonary spiral CT is not readily available. The aim of the following article is to summarize the contribution of echocardiography to the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism, recognition and quantification of pulmonary hypertension, and assessing the effectiveness of thrombolytic therapy.
Keywords: Pulmonary embolism; Echocardiography; Right ventricle; Pulmonary hypertension
Published: March 1, 2004 Show citation