Pulmonary Embolism

First Things First (assess & treat for the following)

  • Consider immediate anticoagulation while working up for possible venous thromboembolism (VTE) and pulmonary embolism (PE).
    • Assess for contraindications to anticoagulation first!
      • Active bleeding, very recent hemorrhagic stroke, etc.
    • Delays in achieving effective anticoagulation are associated with increased mortality.
  • Assess clinical probability of PE having occurred.
  • Get imaging study.

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Last updated: April 29, 2010