← All diseases

Disease Atlas / Disease detail

Pulmonary embolism

This is an educational overview summarizing the definition, risk factors, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and interpretation of evidence for pulmonary embolism, a thrombotic disease that obstructs the pulmonary arteries.

pulmonary embolism · embolism, pulmonary · pulmonary embolism · pulmonary embolism (disease) · pulmonary embolus

MONDO:0005279Public QA completeSource-bound · 4

Disease at a glance

Start with the essentials, then explore the patient and research views.

Public revision · 6770a82ca5b3

Disease category
Pulmonary embolism is a condition in which a thrombus or similar substance suddenly blocks the pulmonary arteries, often occurring when deep vein thrombosis from the legs migrates.
Core mechanism
The primary cause is a migrated thrombus; rarely, air bubbles, fat emboli, or parts of a tumor can block the pulmonary arteries.
Main causes/related factors
When the pulmonary arteries are blocked, blood flow to the lungs and oxygen exchange decrease, leading to low blood oxygen levels, and in severe cases, damage to the lungs and other organs may occur.
Representative patterns
Typical manifestations include sudden dyspnea, tachypnea, pleuritic chest pain that worsens with breathing, and tachycardia; hemoptysis may also occur with coughing.
Individual differences
Risk factors that can increase the risk include surgery, prolonged immobility, cancer, heart disease, lung disease, fractures or trauma, pregnancy and childbirth, hormone therapy, obesity, advanced age, family history, and genetic predisposition.
Diagnosis
The course and severity vary by individual; large or multiple thrombi can be life-threatening, and some cases may remain asymptomatic until serious complications arise.
Management
Diagnosis is determined by synthesizing medical history regarding symptoms and risk factors, physical examination, blood tests, and imaging studies.
Treatment/Research Status
Since it is difficult to confirm or exclude pulmonary embolism based on symptoms alone, test results must be interpreted alongside clinical probability, comorbidities, and bleeding risk.
Read Evidence
Management focuses on rapid medical evaluation and preventing thrombus progression and recurrence, considering anticoagulation therapy and procedures according to severity, while also addressing recurrence prevention.
Key Precautions
Current treatment is primarily centered on anticoagulants, and the necessity of thrombolytics or procedures is evaluated based on thrombus burden, circulatory instability, and bleeding risk.

For patients and families

A structured guide for understanding the disease and preparing for clinical conversations.

At a Glance

Pulmonary embolism is a condition in which a thrombus or similar substance suddenly blocks the pulmonary arteries, often occurring when deep vein thrombosis from the legs migrates.

Typical manifestations include sudden dyspnea, tachypnea, pleuritic chest pain that worsens with breathing, and tachycardia; hemoptysis may also occur with coughing.

How the disease works

The primary cause is a migrated thrombus; rarely, air bubbles, fat emboli, or parts of a tumor can block the pulmonary arteries.

When the pulmonary arteries are blocked, blood flow to the lungs and oxygen exchange decrease, leading to low blood oxygen levels, and in severe cases, damage to the lungs and other organs may occur.

Variations in presentation among individuals

Risk factors that can increase the risk include surgery, prolonged immobility, cancer, heart disease, lung disease, fractures or trauma, pregnancy and childbirth, hormone therapy, obesity, advanced age, family history, and genetic predisposition.

The broad framework of diagnosis and management

The course and severity vary by individual; large or multiple thrombi can be life-threatening, and some cases may remain asymptomatic until serious complications arise.

Diagnosis is determined by synthesizing medical history regarding symptoms and risk factors, physical examination, blood tests, and imaging studies.

Current status of treatment

Since it is difficult to confirm or exclude pulmonary embolism based on symptoms alone, test results must be interpreted alongside clinical probability, comorbidities, and bleeding risk.

Management focuses on rapid medical evaluation and preventing thrombus progression and recurrence, considering anticoagulation therapy and procedures according to severity, while also addressing recurrence prevention.

Current treatment is primarily centered on anticoagulants, and the necessity of thrombolytics or procedures is evaluated based on thrombus burden, circulatory instability, and bleeding risk.

How to read clinical trials

In follow-up, the effectiveness of anticoagulants and bleeding are monitored; the registered NCT05708794 study is a record of a completed observational study related to pulmonary embolism but does not prove efficacy or standard of care.

Points to verify during clinical consultations

In clinical practice, it is necessary to verify the onset and changes in symptoms, recent surgery, hospitalization, long-distance travel, pregnancy, use of hormonal medications, history of thrombosis and bleeding, current medications, and family history.

Medical Guidance

This material is for educational purposes and is not intended as guidance for individual diagnosis or treatment. If you have symptoms or suspect an emergency, please seek evaluation from a medical professional.

Evidence and sources

A trial registry status does not establish efficacy or regulatory approval.