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Pulmonary embolus

• Overview
• Symptoms
• Treatment
• Prevention

Alternative Names:

Venous thrombo-embolism; Lung blood clot; Blood clot - lung; Embolus; Tumor embolus

Prevention:

Prevention of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) among at-risk patients is very important. Walking and staying active as soon as possible after surgery or during a prolonged medical illness can reduce the risk for pulmonary embolus. Heparin therapy (low doses of heparin injected under the skin) may be used for those on prolonged bedrest. Other preventive measures include compression stockings (plastic sleeves that fit around the legs and help circulate the blood).

References:

Perrier A, Roy PM, Aujesky D, et al. Diagnosing pulmonary embolism in outpatients with clinical assessment, D-Dimer measurement, venous ultrasound, and helical computed tomography: a multicenter management study. Am J Med . March 2004;116:291-299.

Ramzi DW, Leeper KV. DVT and Pulmonary Embolism: Part II. Treatment and Prevention. Am Fam Physician . June 15 2004;69:2841-2848.

Merli G. Diagnostic assessment of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. Am J Med . August 2005;118:3S-12S.

• Review Date: 3/1/2007
• Reviewed By: David A. Kaufman, M.D., Assistant Professor, Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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