Pulmonary Embolism (PE) Overview

These flashcards cover key terms and definitions related to pulmonary embolism (PE) as discussed in the lecture notes.

Pulmonary Embolism

A blockage of one or more pulmonary arteries, typically caused by a blood clot.

Thrombus

A blood clot that forms in a blood vessel and can lead to embolism.

Venous Thromboembolism (VTE)

An umbrella term that includes both pulmonary embolisms (PE) and deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

Saddle Embolism

A type of embolism that occurs at a bifurcation of blood vessels, obstructing blood flow in both branches.

Virchow's Triad

A set of three risk factors for thrombosis: venous stasis, coagulopathy, and vascular injury.

Coagulopathy

A condition where the blood's ability to coagulate (clot) is impaired, increasing the risk of clots.

D-dimer

A blood test that measures degradation products of fibrin and indicates clot formation and breakdown.

Pulmonary Hypertension

Increased blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries, which can result from chronic obstruction.

Cor Pulmonale

Right heart failure due to lung disease or pulmonary hypertension.

Thrombolytic Therapy

Treatment that dissolves blood clots using medication.

Inferior Vena Cava (IVC) Filter

A device inserted into the inferior vena cava to prevent blood clots from reaching the lungs.

Hypoxemia

Low levels of oxygen in the blood, often seen in pulmonary embolism cases.

Dyspnea

Difficulty or labored breathing, a common symptom of pulmonary embolism.

Hemoptysis

The coughing up of blood, which can occur in pulmonary embolism.

Anticoagulants

Medications that help prevent blood clot formation.