Pulmonary embolism treatment approach: Difference between revisions

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'''To go back to the wikidoc page on [[VTE]], click [[Venous thromboembolism|click here]]'''
{| class="infobox" style="float:right;"
|-
| [[File:Siren.gif|30px|link=Pulmonary embolism resident survival guide]]|| <br> || <br>
| [[Pulmonary embolism resident survival guide|'''Resident'''<br>'''Survival'''<br>'''Guide''']]
|}
{{Pulmonary embolism}}
{{Pulmonary embolism}}
'''Editor(s)-In-Chief:''' [[C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D.]] [mailto:charlesmichaelgibson@gmail.com], {{ATI}}; '''Associate Editor(s)-In-Chief:''' [[Kashish Goel|Kashish Goel, M.D.]]; {{CZ}}
'''Editor(s)-In-Chief:''' [[C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D.]] [mailto:charlesmichaelgibson@gmail.com], {{ATI}}; '''Associate Editor(s)-In-Chief:''' [[Kashish Goel|Kashish Goel, M.D.]]; {{Rim}}
 
'''This page provides algorithms about the treatment choices.  For more details about the medical therapy, click [[pulmonary embolism medical therapy|here]].  For more details about embolectomy, click [[pulmonary embolism embolectomy|here]].'''


==Overview==
==Overview==
Prompt recognition, diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary embolism is critical. [[Anticoagulant]] therapy is the mainstay of treatment for patients who are hemodynamically stable.  If hemodynamic compromise is present, then fibrinolytic therapy is recommended.
Prompt recognition, diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary embolism is critical. [[Anticoagulant]] therapy is the mainstay of treatment for patients who are [[hemodynamically]] stable.  If [[hemodynamic ]]compromise is present, then [[fibrinolytic]] therapy is recommended.


== Treatment Algorithm ==
==Step 1: Confirm PE==
=== Step 1: Establish The Diagnosis Of Pulmonary Embolism ===
Shown below is an algorithm depicting the initial diagnostic approach to pulmonary embolism.<ref name="pmid18757870">{{cite journal| author=Torbicki A, Perrier A, Konstantinides S, Agnelli G, Galiè N, Pruszczyk P et al.| title=Guidelines on the diagnosis and management of acute pulmonary embolism: the Task Force for the Diagnosis and Management of Acute Pulmonary Embolism of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC). | journal=Eur Heart J | year= 2008 | volume= 29 | issue= 18 | pages= 2276-315 | pmid=18757870 | doi=10.1093/eurheartj/ehn310 | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=18757870  }} </ref><ref name="pmid22315268">{{cite journal| author=Kearon C, Akl EA, Comerota AJ, Prandoni P, Bounameaux H, Goldhaber SZ et al.| title=Antithrombotic therapy for VTE disease: Antithrombotic Therapy and Prevention of Thrombosis, 9th ed: American College of Chest Physicians Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guidelines. | journal=Chest | year= 2012 | volume= 141 | issue= 2 Suppl | pages= e419S-94S | pmid=22315268 | doi=10.1378/chest.11-2301 | pmc=PMC3278049 | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=22315268  }} </ref>


In hospitals that have experience in performing and interpreting CT pulmonary angiography, the following flowchart approach can be adopted.
{{familytree/start}}
{{familytree/start |summary=PE diagnosis Algorithm.}}
{{familytree | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | A00 | | | | | A00= '''Does the patient who is suspected to have PE have [[hypotension]] or [[shock]]?'''}}
{{familytree | | | | | | | | GMa | GMa='''Determine chances of PE'''}}  
{{familytree | | | | | | | |,|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|^|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|.| }}
{{familytree | | | | |,|-|-|-|^|-|-|-|-|.| | | }}
{{familytree | | | | | | | A01 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | A02 | A01= Yes| A02= No}}
{{familytree | | |JOE| | | | | | | |SIS| | | JOE='''Low chance'''|SIS='''High chance'''}}
{{familytree | | | | | | | |!| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |!| }}
{{familytree | | | |!| | | | | | | | | |!| }}
{{familytree | | | | | | | A02 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | A03 |  A02= '''Suspected high-risk PE'''| A03= '''Suspected non-high risk PE'''}}
{{familytree | | |MOM| | | | | | | | |!| |MOM='''[[D-dimer]]'''}}
{{familytree | | | | | | | |!| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |!| }}
{{familytree | |,|-|^|.| | | | | | | | |!| }}
{{familytree | | | | | | | A04 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |!| A04= ''Administer [[anticoagulation]]'' <br>''(in case there are no contraindications)''<br>''during the diagnostic workup''}}
{{familytree |GPa| |JOE|~|~|~|~|~|MOM|GPa='''<500 ng/ml'''|JOE='''>500 ng/ml'''|MOM='''[[Pulmonary embolism other imaging findings#Angiography|CT Pulmonary angiography]]'''}}
{{familytree | | | | | | | |!| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |!| }}
{{familytree | |!| | | | | | | | | |,|-|^|.| }}
{{familytree | | | | | | | B01 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | B02| B01= '''Is a [[CT]] available immediately?'''| B02= '''What is the pretest probability of PE?''' <br> Assess the pretest probability of PE<br> by using one of the risk score:<br> - [[Wells score]] <br> - [[Geneva score]] <br> - [[PERC]]}}
{{familytree |MOM| | | | | | |SIS| | |GMa|MOM='''PE excluded'''|SIS=Negative|GMa=Positive}}
{{familytree | | | |,|-|-|-|^|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|.| | | | | | |,|-|v|-|^|-|-|.| | }}
{{familytree | | | | | | | | | | |!| | | | |!| }}
{{familytree | | | C01 | | | | | | | | | | C02 | | | | | |!| |!| | | | |!| | C01= No| C02= Yes}}
{{familytree | | | | | | | | | |SIS| | |GMa|SIS='''PE excluded'''|GMa='''PE confirmed'''}}
{{familytree | | | |!| | | | | | | | | | | |!| | | | | | |!| |!| | | | |!| | }}
{{familytree | | | D01 | | | | | | | | | | |!| | | | | | |!| |!| | | | |!| | D01= '''Order [[echocardiography]]'''}}
{{familytree | | | |!| | | | | | | | | | | |!| | | | | | |!| |!| | | | |!| | }}
{{familytree | | | E01 | | | | | | | | | | |!| | | | | E02 | | E03 | | E04 |  E01= '''Does the patient have [[RV]] overload?'''| E02= '''Low pretest probability''' |E03= '''Intermediate pretest probability'''| E04= '''High pretest probability''' <br>OR<br> '''PE is likely'''}}
{{familytree | | | |!| | | | | | | | | | | |!| | | | | | |!| |!| | | | |!| }}
{{familytree | | | |!| | | | | | | | | | | |!| | | | | | |!| | N01 | | N02 | N01= ''Administer [[anticoagulation]]'' <br>''(in case there are no contraindications)''<br>''during the diagnostic workup''|N02= ''Administer [[anticoagulation]]'' <br>''(in case there are no contraindications)''<br>''during the diagnostic workup''}}
{{familytree | |,|-|^|-|-|-|.| | | | | | | |!| | | | | | |!| |!| | | | |!| | }}
{{familytree | F01 | | | | F02 | | | | | | F03 | | | | | | F04 | | | | |!| F01= No| F02= Yes| F03= '''Order [[CT]]'''| F04= '''Order [[D-dimer]]'''}}
{{familytree | |!| | | | | |!| | | | | |,|-|^|-|.| | | |,|-|^|-|.| | | |!| }}
{{familytree | |!| | | | | |!| | | | | G02 | | G03 | | G04 | | G05 | | |!| G01= | G02= Positive| G03= Negative| G04= Positive| G05= Negative}}
{{familytree | |!| | | |,|-|^|-|.| | | |!| | | |!| | | |!| | | |!| | | |!| }}
{{familytree | |!| | | H01 | | H02 | | |!| | | |!| | | H03 | | H04 | | H05 | | | H01= Is the patient unstable <br> OR<br> no other tests are available?| H02=Is the patient stabilized <br> AND <br> CT is now available?| H03= '''Order CT'''| H04= PE is excluded| H05= '''Order [[CT]]'''}}
{{familytree | |!| | | |!| | | |!| | | |!| | | |!| | | |)|-|-|-|.| | | |)|-|-|-|.| | }}
{{familytree | |!| | | |!| | | |!| | | |!| | | |!| | | L01 | | L02 | | L03 | | L04 | L01= Positive| L02= Negative| L03= Positive| L04= Negative}}
{{familytree | |!| | | |!| | | |!| | | |!| | | |!| | | |!| | | |!| | | |!| | | |!| | }}
{{familytree | I01 | | I02 | | I03 | | I04 | | I05 | | I06 | | I07 | | I08 | | I09 | I01= PE is excluded| I02= Consider [[thrombolytic therapy]] or [[embolectomy]]| I03= Order CT| I04= PE is confirmed| I05=PE is excluded| I06= PE is confirmed| I07= PE is excluded| I08= PE is confirmed| I09= PE is excluded}}
{{familytree | | | | | | | |,|-|^|-|.| | | | }}
{{familytree | | | | | | | J01 | | J02 | | | J01= Positive for PE| J02= Negative for PE}}
{{familytree | | | | | | | |!| | | |!| | | | }}
{{familytree | | | | | | | K01 | | K02 | | | K01= PE is confirmed| K02= PE is excluded}}
{{familytree/end}}
{{familytree/end}}


'''Note:''' ''If there is a high clinical suspicion of pulmonary embolism, then anticoagulation can begin with a parenteral agent such as unfractionated heparin during the process of performing the diagnostic studies.''
==Step 2: Initial Treatment==
 
Shown below is an algorithm depicting the initial management of pulmonary embolism.<ref name="pmid18757870">{{cite journal| author=Torbicki A, Perrier A, Konstantinides S, Agnelli G, Galiè N, Pruszczyk P et al.| title=Guidelines on the diagnosis and management of acute pulmonary embolism: the Task Force for the Diagnosis and Management of Acute Pulmonary Embolism of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC). | journal=Eur Heart J | year= 2008 | volume= 29 | issue= 18 | pages= 2276-315 | pmid=18757870 | doi=10.1093/eurheartj/ehn310 | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=18757870  }} </ref><ref name="pmid22315268">{{cite journal| author=Kearon C, Akl EA, Comerota AJ, Prandoni P, Bounameaux H, Goldhaber SZ et al.| title=Antithrombotic therapy for VTE disease: Antithrombotic Therapy and Prevention of Thrombosis, 9th ed: American College of Chest Physicians Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guidelines. | journal=Chest | year= 2012 | volume= 141 | issue= 2 Suppl | pages= e419S-94S | pmid=22315268 | doi=10.1378/chest.11-2301 | pmc=PMC3278049 | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=22315268  }} </ref>
=== Step 2: Use A Risk-Stratified Approach to Treat the Patient with Pulmonary Embolism ===
{{familytree/start}}
{{familytree/start}}
{{familytree | | | | | | | | | A01 | | | | | |A01=Confirmed PE}}
{{familytree | | | | | | | | | |!| | | | | | | | }}
{{familytree | | | | | | | | | B01 | | | | | |B01=Assess Clinical<br>Stability}}
{{familytree | | |,|-|-|-|-|-|-|^|-|-|-|-|-|-|.| }}
{{familytree | | C01 | | | | | | | | | | | |C02|C01=Unstable|C02=Stable}}
{{familytree | | |!| | | | | | | | | | | | | |!| }}
{{familytree | | D01 | | | | | | | | | | | |D02|D01=Blood Pressure =< 90mm <br> Drop >=40mm for > 15 min|D02=Assess RV function <br> Biomarkers of injury}}
{{familytree | | |!| | | | | | | | | |,|-|-|-|+|-|-|-|-|.|}}
{{familytree | | E01 | | | | | | | | E02 | | E03 | | | E04 |E01=Thrombolysis<br>Catheter embolectomy<br>Surgery|E02=No Dysfunction<br>No Injury |E03=Dysfunction<br>No Injury|E04=Dysfunction + <br> Injury}}
{{familytree | | | | | | | | | | | | |!| | | |!| | | | |!| | }}
{{familytree | | | | | | | | | | | | F01 | | F02 | | | F03 |F01=Anticoagulate<br>Early Discharge|F02=Anticoagulate<br>Ward admit|F03=ICU/Thrombolytics}}


{{familytree | | | | | | | | | | | A01 | | | | | | | | | | | | A01= '''Assess the severity of pulmonary embolism'''}}
{{familytree | | | |,|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|+|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|.| | | | | }}
{{familytree | | | B01 | | | | | | B02 | | | | | | B03 | | | | B01= '''Massive PE''' <br> ''(also known as high-risk PE)'' <br> [[Cardiogenic shock]] <br> OR<br> Persistent [[hypotension]] (≤90mmHg)<br> OR<br> Drop of the [[blood pressure]] by ≥ 40mmHg for > 15 min<ref name="pmid16009801">{{cite journal| author=Kucher N, Goldhaber SZ| title=Management of massive pulmonary embolism. | journal=Circulation | year= 2005 | volume= 112 | issue= 2 | pages= e28-32 | pmid=16009801 | doi=10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.105.551374 | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=16009801  }} </ref><br> OR <br> [[Pulselessness]] <br> OR<br> Profound bradycardia (<40 bpm) with findings of shock<ref name="pmid21422387">{{cite journal| author=Jaff MR, McMurtry MS, Archer SL, Cushman M, Goldenberg N, Goldhaber SZ et al.| title=Management of massive and submassive pulmonary embolism, iliofemoral deep vein thrombosis, and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension: a scientific statement from the American Heart Association. | journal=Circulation | year= 2011 | volume= 123 | issue= 16 | pages= 1788-830 | pmid=21422387 | doi=10.1161/CIR.0b013e318214914f | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=21422387  }} </ref>| B02= '''Submassive PE''' <br> ''(also know as intermediate-risk PE)'' <br> Right ventricular dysfunction <br> AND/OR <br> Myocardial injury (Troponin +)| B03= '''Low-risk PE''' <br> No [[cardiogenic shock]] <br> AND <br> No hypotension <br> AND <br> No right ventricular dysfunction <br> AND <br> No myocardial injury (Troponin -)}}
{{familytree | | | |!| | | | | | | |!| | | | | | | |!| | | | | }}
{{familytree | | | B04 | | | | | | |!| | | | | | | |!| | | | | B04= '''Provide hemodynamic and respiratory support''' <br>
Begin high dose unfractionated heparin
<ref name="pmid16009801">{{cite journal| author=Kucher N, Goldhaber SZ| title=Management of massive pulmonary embolism. | journal=Circulation | year= 2005 | volume= 112 | issue= 2 | pages= e28-32 | pmid=16009801 | doi=10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.105.551374 | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=16009801  }} </ref>: Bolus 10.000 U
: Continuous infusion of at least 1250 U/hour for a targeted [[apTT]] of at least 80 s
Administer rapidly 500-1000 mL of normal saline (Caution with fluid overload)<ref name="pmid16009801">{{cite journal| author=Kucher N, Goldhaber SZ| title=Management of massive pulmonary embolism. | journal=Circulation | year= 2005 | volume= 112 | issue= 2 | pages= e28-32 | pmid=16009801 | doi=10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.105.551374 | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=16009801  }} </ref><br>
Have a low threshold for ionotropes (dopamine or dobutamine)<ref name="pmid16009801">{{cite journal| author=Kucher N, Goldhaber SZ| title=Management of massive pulmonary embolism. | journal=Circulation | year= 2005 | volume= 112 | issue= 2 | pages= e28-32 | pmid=16009801 | doi=10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.105.551374 | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=16009801  }} </ref><br>
Administer oxygen for hypoxemic patients<ref name="pmid16009801">{{cite journal| author=Kucher N, Goldhaber SZ| title=Management of massive pulmonary embolism. | journal=Circulation | year= 2005 | volume= 112 | issue= 2 | pages= e28-32 | pmid=16009801 | doi=10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.105.551374 | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=16009801  }} </ref><br>}}
{{familytree | | | |!| | | | | | | |!| | | | | | | |!| | | | | }}
{{familytree | | | C01 | | | | | | C02 | | | | | | C03 | | | | C01= '''Is there any contraindication for fibrinolytic therapy?'''| C02= '''Is there any contraindication for anticoagulation therapy?'''| C03= '''Is there any contraindication for anticoagulation therapy?'''}}
{{familytree | |,|-|^|-|.| | | |,|-|^|-|.| | | |,|-|^|-|.| | | }}
{{familytree | D01 | | D02 | | D03 | | D04 | | D05 | | D06 | | D01= NO| D02= YES| D03= NO|D04= YES| D05= NO| D06= YES}}
{{familytree | |!| | | |!| | | |!| | | |!| | | |!| | | |!| | | }}
{{familytree | E01 | | E02 | | E03 | | E04 | | E05 | | E06 | | E01= Discontinue unfractionated heparin <br> AND <br> Begin fibrinolytic therapy| E02= Surgical pulmonary embolectomy <br> OR <br> Percutaneous catheter embolectomy| E03= Anticoagulation therapy <br> AND <br> Hospital admission|E04= IVC filter <br> AND <br>Hospital admission| E05= Anticoagulation therapy<br> AND <br> Early discharge/home treatment| E06= IVC filter <br> AND <br> Early discharge/home treatment}}
{{familytree | |!| | | | | | | | |!| |!| | | | }}
{{familytree | F01 | | | | | | | | F02 | | | | F01= '''Does the patient fail to improve''' <br> OR <br> '''Develop [[cardiogenic shock]]?'''<br> OR <br> '''Develop [[hypotension]]?'''| F02= '''Does the patient fail to improve''' <br> OR <br> '''Develop [[cardiogenic shock]]?'''<br> OR <br> '''Develop [[hypotension]] (<90 mmHg)?''' <br> OR <br> '''Develop respiratory distress (SaO2<95% with Borg score>8 or altered mental status)''' <br> OR <br> '''Have moderate to severe RV dysfunction (RV hypokinesis or estimated RVSP>40 mmHg)''' <br> OR <br> '''Elevated biomarkers (troponin> upper limit of normal, BNP>100 pg/mL, or pro-BNP>900 pg/mL)'''<ref name="pmid21422387">{{cite journal| author=Jaff MR, McMurtry MS, Archer SL, Cushman M, Goldenberg N, Goldhaber SZ et al.| title=Management of massive and submassive pulmonary embolism, iliofemoral deep vein thrombosis, and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension: a scientific statement from the American Heart Association. | journal=Circulation | year= 2011 | volume= 123 | issue= 16 | pages= 1788-830 | pmid=21422387 | doi=10.1161/CIR.0b013e318214914f | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=21422387  }} </ref>}}
{{familytree |,|^|-|-|-|.| | | |,|-|^|-|.| | | | }}
{{familytree | F03 | | F04 | | F05 | | F06 | | | F03= YES| F04= NO| F05= YES| F06= NO}}
{{familytree | |!| | | |!| | | |!| | | |!| }}
{{familytree | G01 | | G02 | | G03 | | G04 | | G01= Surgical pulmonary embolectomy <br> OR <br> Percutaneous catheter embolectomy|G02= Continue with the same treatment| G03= '''Is there any contraindication for fibrinolytic therapy?'''| G04= Continue with the same treatment}}
{{familytree | | | | | | | |,|-|^|-|.| | | }}
{{familytree | | | | | | | H01 | | H02 | | H01= NO| H02= YES}}
{{familytree | | | | | | | |!| | | |!| | | | }}
{{familytree | | | | | | | I01 | | I02 | | I01=Hold anticoagulation and give thrombolytics| I02= Surgical pulmonary embolectomy <br> OR <br> Percutaneous catheter embolectomy}}
{{familytree | | | | | | | |!| | | }}
{{familytree | | | | | | | J01 | | J01= '''Does the patient fail to improve?''' }}
{{familytree | | | | | |,|-|^|-|.| }}
{{familytree | | | | | K01 | | K02 | K01= YES | K02= NO }}
{{familytree | | | | | |!| | | |!| | | }}
{{familytree | | | | | L01 | | L02 | L01= Surgical pulmonary embolectomy <br> OR <br> Percutaneous catheter embolectomy| L02= Continue with the same treatment}}
{{familytree/end}}
{{familytree/end}}
==== Low Risk Pulmonary Embolism ====
[[Pulmonary embolism classification scheme#Low-risk Pulmonary Embolism|Low-risk PE]]: Therapeutic [[anticoagulation]], unless contraindicated.


==== Sub Massive Pulmonary Embolism ====
===Initial Anticoagulation Therapy===
[[Pulmonary embolism classification scheme#Submassive Pulmonary Embolism|Submassive PE]]: If the patient is hemodynamically stable without major [[RV dysfunction]] or infarction, therapeutic anticoagulation should be started. In some cases, [[thrombolysis]] may be indicated.
{{Family tree/start}}
{{familytree | | | | A01 | | | | | | A01= <div style="float: left; text-align: left; width: 15em; padding:1em;">'''Begin initial [[anticoagulation therapy]] in:''' <br> ❑ '''Confirmed PE''' <br>OR <br> ❑ '''High or intermediate probability of PE while awaiting the diagnostic tests''' </div>}}
{{familytree | | | | |!| | | | | | | }}
{{familytree | | | | B01 | | | | | | B01= <div style="float: left; text-align: left; width: 15em; padding:1em;">'''Is the patient high risk or non-high risk?''' </div>}}
{{familytree | |,|-|-|^|-|-|.| | | | }}
{{familytree | C01 | | | | C02 | | | C01= '''[[Pulmonary embolism classification#Massive Pulmonary Embolism|High risk]]'''| C02= '''[[Pulmonary embolism classification|Non-high risk]]'''}}
{{familytree | |!| | | | | |!| | | | }}
{{familytree | D01 | | | | D02 | | | D01=
<div style="float: left; text-align: left; width: 15em; padding:1em;">❑ Administer IV [[unfractionated heparin]]<ref name="pmid22315259">{{cite journal| author=Holbrook A, Schulman S, Witt DM, Vandvik PO, Fish J, Kovacs MJ et al.| title=Evidence-based management of anticoagulant therapy: Antithrombotic Therapy and Prevention of Thrombosis, 9th ed: American College of Chest Physicians Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guidelines. | journal=Chest | year= 2012 | volume= 141 | issue= 2 Suppl | pages= e152S-84S | pmid=22315259 | doi=10.1378/chest.11-2295 | pmc=PMC3278055 | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=22315259  }} </ref>
</div>| D02= <div style="float: left; text-align: left; width: 15em; padding:1em;">'''Does the patient have:''' <br> ❑ '''High risk of [[bleeding]]''' <br> OR <br> ❑ '''Severe [[renal failure]]?''' </div>}}
{{familytree | | | | | |,|-|^|-|.| | }}
{{familytree | | | | | E01 | | E02 | E01= '''Yes'''| E02= '''No'''}}
{{familytree | | | | | |!| | | |!| | }}
{{familytree | | | | | F01 | | F02 | F01= <div style="float: left; text-align: left; width: 15em; padding:1em;">❑ Administer [[unfractionated heparin]]:<ref name="pmid18757870">{{cite journal| author=Torbicki A, Perrier A, Konstantinides S, Agnelli G, Galiè N, Pruszczyk P et al.| title=Guidelines on the diagnosis and management of acute pulmonary embolism: the Task Force for the Diagnosis and Management of Acute Pulmonary Embolism of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC). | journal=Eur Heart J | year= 2008 | volume= 29 | issue= 18 | pages= 2276-315 | pmid=18757870 | doi=10.1093/eurheartj/ehn310 | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=18757870  }} </ref>
:❑ IV injection<br> OR<br>
:❑ SC injection</div>| F02= <div style="float: left; text-align: left; width: 15em; padding:1em;">❑ Administer ONE of the following:<ref name="pmid22315259">{{cite journal| author=Holbrook A, Schulman S, Witt DM, Vandvik PO, Fish J, Kovacs MJ et al.| title=Evidence-based management of anticoagulant therapy: Antithrombotic Therapy and Prevention of Thrombosis, 9th ed: American College of Chest Physicians Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guidelines. | journal=Chest | year= 2012 | volume= 141 | issue= 2 Suppl | pages= e152S-84S | pmid=22315259 | doi=10.1378/chest.11-2295 | pmc=PMC3278055 | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=22315259  }} </ref>
:❑ SC [[low molecular weight heparin]] (1st line)
:❑ SC [[fondaparinux]] (1st line)
:❑ IV [[unfractionated heparin]]
:❑ SC [[unfractionated heparin]]
</div>}}
{{familytree/end}}


==== Massive Pulmonary Embolism ====
==Step 3: Long Term Anticoagulation Therapy==
[[Pulmonary embolism classification scheme#Massive Pulmonary Embolism|Massive PE]]: Thrombolysis is indicated and ICU admission may be required. Initial supportive therapies for these patients may include:
The long term management of [[PE]] depends on whether the episode is the first one or not, whether it is provoked or unprovoked, and on the risk of bleeding of the patient. Among non cancer patients, the first line therapy for long term management of [[PE]] is [[vitamin K antagonist]]s (VKA); whereas the first line treatment among cancer patients is [[low molecular weight heparin]].  '''If long term treatment with VKA is decided, VKA should be started at the same day with heparin allowing for at least 5 days of overlap until the [[INR]] is ≥2 for at least 24 hours'''.  Among patients on extended [[anticoagulation therapy]], the risk vs benefits of the [[anticoagulation therapy]] should be assessed regularly (for example annually).<ref name="pmid22315268">{{cite journal| author=Kearon C, Akl EA, Comerota AJ, Prandoni P, Bounameaux H, Goldhaber SZ et al.| title=Antithrombotic therapy for VTE disease: Antithrombotic Therapy and Prevention of Thrombosis, 9th ed: American College of Chest Physicians Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guidelines. | journal=Chest | year= 2012 | volume= 141 | issue= 2 Suppl | pages= e419S-94S | pmid=22315268 | doi=10.1378/chest.11-2301 | pmc=PMC3278049 | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=22315268  }} </ref>
* Respiratory support with oxygen for [[Hypoxemia|hypoxemic]] patients and mechanical [[ventilation]] in cases of severe [[Hypoxemia|hypoxemia]] or pending [[respiratory failure]].
* Hemodynamic support with intravenous fluids or intravenous vasopressors is indicated for [[hypotensive]] patients. Intravenous fluids should be administered with caution as increased right ventricular load can disable the oxygen balance.<ref name="pmid10199533">{{cite journal |author=Mercat A, Diehl JL, Meyer G, Teboul JL, Sors H |title=Hemodynamic effects of fluid loading in acute massive pulmonary embolism |journal=Crit. Care Med. |volume=27 |issue=3 |pages=540–4 |year=1999 |month=March |pmid=10199533|doi=|url=http://meta.wkhealth.com/pt/pt-core/template-journal/lwwgateway/media/landingpage.htm?issn=0090-3493&volume=27&issue=3&spage=540|accessdate=2011-12-12}}</ref>
* If anticoagulation is contraindicated, then an [[IVC filter]] is recommended.


=== Step 3: Assess Treatment Response and Need for Device Based Therapy ===
{{Family tree/start}}
{{familytree/start |summary=PE treatment Algorithm.}}
{{familytree | | | | | | | | | | A01 | | | | | | | | A01= '''Is this the first episode of PE?'''}}
{{familytree | | | | | | | | GMa | GMa='''Acute [[PE]] confirmed'''}}
{{familytree | | | | | |,|-|-|-|-|^|-|-|-|-|.| | | | }}
{{familytree | | | | | | | | |!| }}
{{familytree | | | | | B01 | | | | | | | | B02 | | | B01= '''YES'''| B02= '''NO'''}}
{{familytree | | | | | | | | GPa | GPa='''[[Pulmonary embolism treatment algorithm#Anticoagulation|Anticoagulation]] contraindicated ?'''}}  
{{familytree | | | | | |!| | | | | | | | | |!| | | | }}
{{familytree | | | | |,|-|-|-|^|-|-|-|-|.| | | }}
{{familytree | | | | | C01 | | | | | | | | C02 | | | C01= '''Is PE provoked?'''| C02= '''[[Pulmonary embolism resident survival guide#Assessment of Risk of Bleeding|What is the risk of bleeding?]]'''}}
{{familytree | | |JOE| | | | | | | |SIS| | | JOE='''Yes'''|ME=Inconclusive study|SIS='''No'''}}
{{familytree | |,|-|-|-|+|-|-|-|.| | | |,|-|^|-|.| | }}
{{familytree | | | |!| | | | | | | | | |!| }}
{{familytree | D01 | | D02 | | D03 | | D04 | | D05 | | D01= '''Yes, transient reversible risk factor'''| D02= '''Yes, [[cancer]]'''| D03= '''No (unprovoked)'''| D04= '''[[Pulmonary embolism resident survival guide#Assessment of Risk of Bleeding|Low or moderate]]'''| D05= '''[[Pulmonary embolism resident survival guide#Assessment of Risk of Bleeding|High]]'''}}
{{familytree | | |MOM| | | | | | | | SIS | | |MOM='''[[IVC filter]]'''|SIS='''Risk Stratification'''}}
{{familytree | |!| | | |!| | | |!| | | |!| | | |!| | }}
{{familytree | | | | | | | | | | | | | |!| }}
{{familytree | E01 | | E02 | | E03 | | E04 | | E05 | | E01= '''Therapy for 3 months'''<br><div style="float: left; text-align: left; padding:1em;">❑ [[VKA]] (first line)<br> OR <br> ❑ [[LMWH]] <br> OR <br> ❑ [[Dabigatran]] <br> OR <br> ❑ [[Rivaroxaban]] </div>| E02= '''Extended therapy or until cancer is cured'''<br><div style="float: left; text-align: left; padding:1em;">❑ [[LMWH]] (first line)<br> OR <br> ❑ [[VKA]] <br> OR <br> ❑ [[Dabigatran]] <br> OR <br> ❑ [[Rivaroxaban]] </div>| E03= '''Therapy for ≥ 3 months'''<br><div style="float: left; text-align: left; padding:1em;">❑ [[VKA]] (first line)<br> OR <br> ❑ [[LMWH]] <br> OR <br> ❑ [[Dabigatran]] <br> OR <br> ❑ [[Rivaroxaban]] </div>| E04= '''Extended therapy'''<br><div style="float: left; text-align: left; padding:1em;">❑ [[VKA]] (first line)<br> OR <br> ❑ [[LMWH]] <br> OR <br> ❑ [[Dabigatran]] <br> OR <br> ❑ [[Rivaroxaban]] </div>| E05= '''Therapy for 3 months'''<br><div style="float: left; text-align: left; padding:1em;">❑ [[VKA]] (first line)<br> OR <br> ❑ [[LMWH]] <br> OR <br> ❑ [[Dabigatran]] <br> OR <br> ❑ [[Rivaroxaban]] </div>}}
{{familytree | | | | | | | |,|-|-|-|-|-|+|-|-|-|.}}
{{familytree | | | | | | | | | |!| | | | | | | | | | }}
{{familytree | | | | | | | |!| | | | | |!| | | |!}}
{{familytree | | | | | | | | | F01 | | | | | | | | | F01= '''[[Pulmonary embolism resident survival guide#Assessment of Risk of Bleeding|Re-assess the risk of bleeding]]'''}}
{{familytree | | | | | | |A1| | | |B1| |C1| |A1='''[[Pulmonary embolism classification scheme#Low-risk Pulmonary Embolism|Low-risk PE]]'''   |B1='''[[Pulmonary embolism classification scheme#Submassive Pulmonary Embolism|Submassive PE]]''' |C1=   '''[[Pulmonary embolism classification scheme#Massive Pulmonary Embolism|Massive PE]]'''     }}
{{familytree | | | | | | | |,|-|^|-|.| | | | | | | | }}
{{familytree | | | | | | | |!| | | | | |!| | | |!}}
{{familytree | | | | | | | G01 | | G02 | | | | | | | G01= '''[[Pulmonary embolism resident survival guide#Assessment of Risk of Bleeding|Low or moderate]]'''| G02= '''[[Pulmonary embolism resident survival guide#Assessment of Risk of Bleeding|High]]'''}}
{{familytree | | | | | | |A2| | | |B2| | |!| | |A2='''[[Pulmonary embolism treatment algorithm#Anticoagulation|Anticoagulation]]'''|B2='''[[Pulmonary embolism treatment algorithm#Anticoagulation|Anticoagulation]]'''|}}
{{familytree | | | | | | | |!| | | |!| | | | | | | | }}
{{familytree | | | | | | | | | | | | | |!| | | |!}}
{{familytree | | | | | | | H01 | | H02 | | | | | | | H01= '''Extended therapy'''| H02= '''Do not extend the therapy beyond the initial 3 months'''}}
{{familytree | | | | | | | | | | | | |B3| | |!| |B3='''Assess clinically for evidence of increased severity'''}}
{{familytree | | | | | | | | | | | | | |!| | | |!| |}}
{{familytree | | | | | | | | | | | | |B4|-|C4| | |B4='''Evidence of Shock (SBP <90 mmHg) or respiratory failure''' |C4='''Is [[Thrombolytic]] Contraindicated?'''}}
{{familytree | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |,|-|^|-|.| }}
{{familytree | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |JOE| |SIS|JOE='''Yes'''|ME=Inconclusive study|SIS='''No'''}}
{{familytree | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |!| | | |!| }}
{{familytree | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |SIS| |B02|SIS='''[[Pulmonary thrombectomy|Surgical emblectomy]]''' or '''[[Pulmonary embolism catheter based interventions|catheter based interventions]]'''|B02='''Hold Anticoagulation, Give Thrombolytics then resume Anticoagulations'''}}
{{familytree | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |!| | | |}}
{{familytree | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |SIS|SIS=Patient shows clinical improvement}}
{{familytree | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |,|-|^|-|.| }}
{{familytree | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |JOE| |SIS|JOE='''No'''|ME=Inconclusive study|SIS='''Yes'''}}
{{familytree | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |!| | | |!| }}
{{familytree | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |SIS| |B02|SIS='''[[Pulmonary thrombectomy|Surgical emblectomy]]''' or '''[[Pulmonary embolism catheter based interventions|catheter based interventions]]'''|B02=Continue anticoagulation}}
{{familytree/end}}
{{familytree/end}}


=== Acute Therapies ===
==== Anticoagulation ====
The most common cause of mortality in patients with a pulmonary embolism, is a recurrent [[PE]] occurring within a few hours of the initial event.<ref name="pmid1560799">{{cite journal |author=Carson JL, Kelley MA, Duff A, Weg JG, Fulkerson WJ, Palevsky HI, Schwartz JS, Thompson BT, Popovich J, Hobbins TE |title=The clinical course of pulmonary embolism|journal=N. Engl. J. Med. |volume=326 |issue=19 |pages=1240–5 |year=1992 |month=May |pmid=1560799|doi=10.1056/NEJM199205073261902|url=http://dx.doi.org/10.1056/NEJM199205073261902 |accessdate=2011-12-12}}</ref>  Anticoagulation prevents further clot formation and extension, therefore it should be started as early as possible.  Anticoagulation does not disaggregate existing clot, but it does facilitate the action of the body's endogenous lytic system.  Anticoagulation is the cornerstone of therapy in an acute [[pulmonary embolism]].<ref name="pmid1560799">{{cite journal |author=Carson JL, Kelley MA, Duff A, Weg JG, Fulkerson WJ, Palevsky HI, Schwartz JS, Thompson BT, Popovich J, Hobbins TE |title=The clinical course of pulmonary embolism|journal=N. Engl. J. Med. |volume=326 |issue=19 |pages=1240–5 |year=1992 |month=May |pmid=1560799|doi=10.1056/NEJM199205073261902|url=http://dx.doi.org/10.1056/NEJM199205073261902 |accessdate=2011-12-12}}</ref><ref name="pmid10227218">{{cite journal |author=Goldhaber SZ, Visani L, De Rosa M|title=Acute pulmonary embolism: clinical outcomes in the International Cooperative Pulmonary Embolism Registry (ICOPER) |journal=Lancet |volume=353|issue=9162|pages=1386–9 |year=1999 |month=April |pmid=10227218 |doi=|url=http://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0140673698075345|accessdate=2011-12-12}}</ref> After initial risk stratification.  Certain conditions like [[pericardial tamponade]] and [[aortic dissection]] can mimic pulmonary embolism. The use of anticoagulants is contraindicated in these medical conditions. Proceed with caution if these conditions are high on the differential.  Immediate treatment should be initiated based on the following guidelines: <ref name="pmid22315268">{{cite journal |author=Kearon C, Akl EA, Comerota AJ, ''et al.'' |title=Antithrombotic therapy for VTE disease: Antithrombotic Therapy and Prevention of Thrombosis, 9th ed: American College of Chest Physicians Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guidelines |journal=Chest |volume=141 |issue=2 Suppl |pages=e419S–94S |year=2012 |month=February |pmid=22315268 |doi=10.1378/chest.11-2301 |url=}}</ref><ref name="pmid21422387">{{cite journal |author=Jaff MR, McMurtry MS, Archer SL, ''et al.'' |title=Management of massive and submassive pulmonary embolism, iliofemoral deep vein thrombosis, and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension: a scientific statement from the American Heart Association |journal=Circulation |volume=123 |issue=16 |pages=1788–830 |year=2011 |month=April |pmid=21422387 |doi=10.1161/CIR.0b013e318214914f |url=}}</ref><ref name="pmid18757870">{{cite journal |author=Torbicki A, Perrier A, Konstantinides S, ''et al.'' |title=Guidelines on the diagnosis and management of acute pulmonary embolism: the Task Force for the Diagnosis and Management of Acute Pulmonary Embolism of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) |journal=Eur. Heart J. |volume=29 |issue=18 |pages=2276–315 |year=2008 |month=September |pmid=18757870 |doi=10.1093/eurheartj/ehn310 |url=}}</ref>
* Initial treatment with parenteral anticoagulants, including subcutaneous [[low molecular weight heparin|low molecular weight heparin]] (such as [[enoxaparin]] and [[dalteparin]]), subcutaneous [[fondaparinux]], or intravenous [[unfractionated heparin]], should be administered unless contraindicated.
* [[ACCP guidelines]]<ref name="pmid22315268">{{cite journal |author=Kearon C, Akl EA, Comerota AJ, ''et al.'' |title=Antithrombotic therapy for VTE disease: Antithrombotic Therapy and Prevention of Thrombosis, 9th ed: American College of Chest Physicians Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guidelines |journal=Chest |volume=141 |issue=2 Suppl |pages=e419S–94S |year=2012 |month=February |pmid=22315268 |doi=10.1378/chest.11-2301 |url=}}</ref> recommend [[low molecular weight heparin]] or [[fondaparinux]] instead of intravenous [[unfractionated heparin]].
* If there is moderate-to-high clinical suspicion of a PE, anticoagulation should be initiated while awaiting confirmatory tests.
* [[Vitamin K antagonists]] such as [[warfarin]] should be started the same day. Parenteral anticoagulation should be continued for at least 5 days, and preferably until INR is 2.0 or above for 1-2 days.
*[[Warfarin]] therapy often requires frequent dose adjustment and monitoring of the [[international normalized ratio|INR]]. In PE, the INR goal should be between 2.0 and 3.0.
* In patients with suspected or confirmed [[heparin-induced thrombocytopenia]], [[lepirudin]] or [[argatroban]] should be used.


==== Thrombolysis ====
''Note that [[edoxaban]]<ref name="pmid23991658">{{cite journal| author=Hokusai-VTE Investigators. Büller HR, Décousus H, Grosso MA, Mercuri M, Middeldorp S et al.| title=Edoxaban versus warfarin for the treatment of symptomatic venous thromboembolism. | journal=N Engl J Med | year= 2013 | volume= 369 | issue= 15 | pages= 1406-15 | pmid=23991658 | doi=10.1056/NEJMoa1306638 | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=23991658  }}  [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=24445714 Review in: Ann Intern Med. 2014 Jan 21;160(2):JC4]  [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=24638182 Review in: Ann Intern Med. 2014 Mar 18;160(6):JC4] </ref> has been evaluated for the treatment of [[VTE]] and is currently seeking approval for this indication.''
* Unless previously contraindicated, [[Pulmonary embolism treatment thrombolysis|thrombolysis]] is indicated in patients with a [[massive PE]] or those with a [[submassive PE]] who develop or are at risk of developing [[hypotension]] (SBP < 90 mmHg).
* Administration of a fibrinolytic via a peripheral intravenous catheter is recommended.
* FDA recommends a 100 mg dose of [[alteplase]] administered as a continuous infusion over 2 hours. This treatment is supported by [[AHA]]<ref name="pmid21422387">{{cite journal |author=Jaff MR, McMurtry MS, Archer SL, ''et al.'' |title=Management of massive and submassive pulmonary embolism, iliofemoral deep vein thrombosis, and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension: a scientific statement from the American Heart Association |journal=Circulation |volume=123 |issue=16 |pages=1788–830 |year=2011 |month=April |pmid=21422387 |doi=10.1161/CIR.0b013e318214914f |url=}}</ref> and [[ACCP]] guidelines.<ref name="pmid22315268">{{cite journal |author=Kearon C, Akl EA, Comerota AJ, ''et al.'' |title=Antithrombotic therapy for VTE disease: Antithrombotic Therapy and Prevention of Thrombosis, 9th ed: American College of Chest Physicians Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guidelines |journal=Chest |volume=141 |issue=2 Suppl |pages=e419S–94S |year=2012 |month=February |pmid=22315268 |doi=10.1378/chest.11-2301 |url=}}</ref> 
* Withhold anticoagulation during the 2 hours of fibrinolytic infusion.
* The role of thrombolysis in a [[submassive PE]] is not established at this point.<ref>Dong B, Jirong Y, Liu G, Wang Q, Wu T. Thrombolytic therapy for pulmonary embolism. ''Cochrane Database Syst Rev'' 2006;(2):CD004437. PMID 16625603.</ref> Two ongoing trials are investigating the efficacy and safety of this approach. 
* No large clinical trial has demonstrated a mortality benefit of thrombolytic therapy.  However, it helps by accelerating clot lysis, improving pulmonary perfusion, and improving right ventricular function.<ref name="pmid12374874">{{cite journal |author=Konstantinides S, Geibel A, Heusel G, Heinrich F, Kasper W |title=Heparin plus alteplase compared with heparin alone in patients with submassive pulmonary embolism |journal=N. Engl. J. Med. |volume=347 |issue=15 |pages=1143–50 |year=2002|month=October|pmid=12374874|doi=10.1056/NEJMoa021274 |url=http://dx.doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa021274 |accessdate=2011-12-13}}</ref><ref name="pmid2123152">{{cite journal |author=Levine M, Hirsh J, Weitz J, Cruickshank M, Neemeh J, Turpie AG, Gent M |title=A randomized trial of a single bolus dosage regimen of recombinant tissue plasminogen activator in patients with acute pulmonary embolism |journal=Chest |volume=98 |issue=6 |pages=1473–9 |year=1990 |month=December|pmid=2123152|doi=|url=http://www.chestjournal.org/cgi/pmidlookup?view=long&pmid=2123152 |accessdate=2011-12-21}}</ref>


To read more about dosage, contraindications, and guidelines, click [[Pulmonary embolism treatment thrombolysis|here]].
==References==
 
{{Reflist|2}}
==== Surgical Procedures ====
{{WH}}
* [[Pulmonary thrombectomy|Catheter-assisted thrombus removal]] is recommended in patients with a [[massive PE]] who have contraindications to thrombolytic therapy or have failed thrombolysis.
{{WS}}
* Thrombectomy is also recommended for patients who are in severe shock that may cause the patient to die before thrombolysis takes effect (hours).
* [[Pulmonary thrombectomy|Pulmonary embolectomy]] is also recommended if a patient with the above conditions fails catheter-assisted embolectomy.
 
==== IVC Filter ====
* An [[IVC filter]] is indicated for patients for whom anticoagulation is contraindicated.
* Anticoagulation should be restarted once the contraindication is resolved.
 
=== Chronic Therapies ===
* After treatment in the hospital, the patient should continue anticoagulation treatment for 3 months if the PE is provoked by surgery or a nonsurgical transient risk factor.
* An abnormal [[D-dimer]] level at the end of the treatment course might signal the need for continued treatment with anticoagulation for a first time unprovoked pulmonary embolus.<ref name="pmid17065639">{{cite journal |author=Palareti G, Cosmi B, Legnani C, ''et al'' |title=D-dimer testing to determine the duration of anticoagulation therapy |journal=N. Engl. J. Med. |volume=355 |issue=17 |pages=1780-9 |year=2006 |pmid=17065639 |doi=10.1056/NEJMoa054444}}</ref>
* Long-term treatment is usually recommended with vitamin K antagonists like [[warfarin]], unless contraindicated or some special circumstances.
* The recommended therapeutic INR range for patients with PE is 2.0-3.0.
* Continued warfarin administration needs close monitoring. The patient should have an appointment with the "anticoagulation clinic" before leaving the hospital.
 
==== Extended Anticoagulation ====
'''Extended treatment''' means extending the anticoagulation therapy beyond the first 3 months. It is recommended in the following scenarios:
* For a [[pulmonary embolism]] that is unprovoked. The patient's risk should be re-evaluated at 3 months to consider whether or not extended therapy is warranted.
* Active cancer.
* Recurrent [[venous thromboembolism]].
* Chronic thrombembolic pulmonary hypertension.
 
'''Salient features:'''
* For extended therapy, the continued need for anticoagulation and the risk-benefit ratio should be re-evaluated at periodic intervals (eg, annually).
* Patients with recurrent [[thromboembolic disease]], with or without anticoagulation, should be evaluated for possible [[Thrombophilia#Laboratory testing|thrombophilias]].
 
==== Specific Circumstances ====
* Malignancy: [[Low molecular weight heparin]] is favored over warfarin based on the results of the CLOT trial.<ref>{{cite journal | author=Lee AY, Levine MN, Baker RI, Bowden C, Kakkar AK, Prins M, Rickles FR, Julian JA, Haley S, Kovacs MJ, Gent M|title=Low-molecular-weight heparin versus a coumarin for the prevention of recurrent venous thromboembolism in patients with cancer. | journal=N Engl J Med| year=2003 | pages=146-53 | volume=349 | issue=2  | id=PMID 12853587}}</ref>
* Pregnancy: [[Low molecular weight heparin]] is preferred to avoid the known [[teratogenic]] effects of warfarin.
* Asymptomatic patients who are diagnosed with an incidental PE should be managed with the same criteria as those with symptomatic [[PE]].
 
==== Newer Anticoagulants ====
* [[Dabigatran]] (direct thrombin inhibitor), [[Rivaroxaban]] (Factor Xa inhibitor), and other drugs in the same classes, provide an alternate option to [[warfarin]]/[[LMWH]] for treatment of [[PE]].
* '''Advantages''' include the availability of an oral formulation, no frequent monitoring requirement, a predictable effect profile, and few (known) drug interactions.
* '''Disadvantages''' include the currently limited prospective trial data, the theoretical interaction with statins (as they are metabolized by the same CYP3A4 enzyme), and the risk of bleeding.
 
==2008 ESC Guidelines Treatment High-risk Pulmonary Embolism (DO NOT EDIT)<ref name="pmid18757870">{{cite journal |author=Torbicki A, Perrier A, Konstantinides S, Agnelli G, Galiè N, Pruszczyk P, Bengel F, Brady AJ, Ferreira D, Janssens U, Klepetko W, Mayer E, Remy-Jardin M, Bassand JP |title=Guidelines on the diagnosis and management of acute pulmonary embolism: the Task Force for the Diagnosis and Management of Acute Pulmonary Embolism of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) |journal=Eur. Heart J. |volume=29|issue=18|pages=2276–315 |year=2008 |month=September |pmid=18757870 |doi=10.1093/eurheartj/ehn310|url=http://eurheartj.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/pmidlookup?view=long&pmid=18757870 |accessdate=2011-12-07}}</ref>==
 
{| class="wikitable"
|-
| colspan="1" style="text-align:center; background:LightGreen"|[[European society of cardiology#Classes of Recommendations|Class I]]
|-
| bgcolor="LightGreen"|<nowiki>"</nowiki>'''1.''' Anticoagulation with unfractionated heparin should be initiated without delay in patients with high-risk PE. ''([[European society of cardiology#Level of Evidence|Level of Evidence: A]])'' <nowiki>"</nowiki>
|-
| bgcolor="LightGreen"|<nowiki>"</nowiki>'''2.''' Systemic hypotension should be corrected to prevent progression of RV failure and death due to PE. ''([[European society of cardiology#Level of Evidence|Level of Evidence: C]])''<nowiki>"</nowiki>
|-
| bgcolor="LightGreen"|<nowiki>"</nowiki>'''3.''' Vasopressive drugs are recommended for hypotensive patients with PE. ''([[European society of cardiology#Level of Evidence|Level of Evidence: C]])''<nowiki>"</nowiki>
|-
| bgcolor="LightGreen"|<nowiki>"</nowiki>'''4.''' Oxygen should be administered in patients with hypoxaemia.''([[European society of cardiology#Level of Evidence|Level of Evidence: C]])''<nowiki>"</nowiki>
|-
| bgcolor="LightGreen"|<nowiki>"</nowiki>'''5.''' Thrombolytic therapy should be used in patients with high-risk PE presenting with cardiogenic shock and/or persistent arterial hypotension.''([[European society of cardiology#Level of Evidence|Level of Evidence: A]])''<nowiki>"</nowiki>
 
|-
| bgcolor="LightGreen"|<nowiki>"</nowiki>'''6.''' Surgical pulmonary embolectomy is a recommended therapeutic alternative in patients with high-risk PE in whom thrombolysis is absolutely contraindicated or has failed.''([[European society of cardiology#Level of Evidence|Level of Evidence: C]])''<nowiki>"</nowiki>
|}
 
{| class="wikitable"
|-
| colspan="1" style="text-align:center; background:LightCoral"|[[European society of cardiology#Classes of Recommendations|Class III]]
 
|-
| bgcolor="LightCoral"|<nowiki>"</nowiki>'''1.''' Aggressive fluid challenge is not recommended. ''([[European society of cardiology#Level of Evidence|Level of Evidence: B]])''<nowiki>"</nowiki>
|}
 
{| class="wikitable"
|-
| colspan="1" style="text-align:center; background:LemonChiffon"| [[European society of cardiology#Classes of Recommendations|Class IIa]]
 
|-
| bgcolor="LemonChiffon"|<nowiki>"</nowiki>'''1.''' Dobutamine and dopamine may be used in patients with PE, low cardiac output and normal blood pressure. ''([[European society of cardiology#Level of Evidence|Level of Evidence: B]])''<nowiki>"</nowiki>
|}
 
{| class="wikitable"
|-
| colspan="1" style="text-align:center; background:LemonChiffon"| [[European society of cardiology#Classes of Recommendations|Class IIb]]
 
|-
| bgcolor="LemonChiffon"|<nowiki>"</nowiki>'''1.'''Catheter embolectomy or fragmentation of proximal pulmonary arterial clots may be considered as an alternative to surgical treatment in high-risk patients when thrombolysis is absolutely contraindicated or has failed. ''([[European society of cardiology#Level of Evidence|Level of Evidence: C]])''<nowiki>"</nowiki>
|}
 
==ESC 2008 Guidelines treatment Non-high-risk pulmonary embolism (DO NOT EDIT)<ref name="pmid18757870">{{cite journal |author=Torbicki A, Perrier A, Konstantinides S, Agnelli G, Galiè N, Pruszczyk P, Bengel F, Brady AJ, Ferreira D, Janssens U, Klepetko W, Mayer E, Remy-Jardin M, Bassand JP |title=Guidelines on the diagnosis and management of acute pulmonary embolism: the Task Force for the Diagnosis and Management of Acute Pulmonary Embolism of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) |journal=Eur. Heart J. |volume=29|issue=18|pages=2276–315 |year=2008 |month=September |pmid=18757870 |doi=10.1093/eurheartj/ehn310|url=http://eurheartj.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/pmidlookup?view=long&pmid=18757870 |accessdate=2011-12-07}}</ref>==
 
{|class="wikitable"
|-
| colspan="1" style="text-align:center; background:LightGreen"|[[European society of cardiology#Classes of Recommendations|Class I]]
|-
| bgcolor="LightGreen"|<nowiki>"</nowiki>'''1.''' Anticoagulation should be initiated without delay in patients with high or intermediate clinical probability of PE while diagnostic workup is still ongoing. ''([[European society of cardiology#Level of Evidence|Level of Evidence: C]])''<nowiki>"</nowiki>
|-
| bgcolor="LightGreen"|<nowiki>"</nowiki>'''2.''' Use of LMWH or fondaparinux is the recommended form of initial treatment for most patients with non-high-risk PE. ''([[European society of cardiology#Level of Evidence|Level of Evidence: A]])'' <nowiki>"</nowiki>
|-
| bgcolor="LightGreen"|<nowiki>"</nowiki>'''3.''' In patients at high risk of bleeding and in those with severe renal dysfunction, unfractionated heparin with an aPTT target range of 1.5–2.5 times normal is a recommended form of initial treatment. ''([[European society of cardiology#Level of Evidence|Level of Evidence: C]])'' <nowiki>"</nowiki>
|-
| bgcolor="LightGreen"|<nowiki>"</nowiki>'''4.''' Initial treatment with unfractionated heparin, LMWH or fondaparinux should be continued for at least 5 days and ''([[European society of cardiology#Level of Evidence|Level of Evidence: A]])'' may be replaced by vitamin K antagonists only after achieving target INR levels for at least 2 consecutive days ''([[European society of cardiology#Level of Evidence|Level of Evidence: C]])''<nowiki>"</nowiki>
|}
{|class="wikitable"
|-
|colspan="1" style="text-align:center; background:LightCoral"|[[European society of cardiology#Classes of Recommendations|Class III]]
|-
|bgcolor="LightCoral"|<nowiki>"</nowiki>'''1.''' Thrombolytic therapy should be not used in patients with low-risk PE ''([[European society of cardiology#Level of Evidence|Level of Evidence: B]])'' <nowiki>"</nowiki>
|}
{|class="wikitable"
|-
| colspan="1" style="text-align:center; background:LemonChiffon"|[[European society of cardiology#Classes of Recommendations|Class IIb]]
|-
|bgcolor="LemonChiffon"|<nowiki>"</nowiki>'''1.''' Routine use of thrombolysis in non–high-risk PE patients is not recommended, but it may be considered in selected patients with intermediate-risk PE ''([[European society of cardiology#Level of Evidence|Level of Evidence: B]])'' <nowiki>"</nowiki>
|}
 
== ESC 2008 Guidelines Recommendations Long-term treatment (DO NOT EDIT)<ref name="pmid18757870">{{cite journal |author=Torbicki A, Perrier A, Konstantinides S, Agnelli G, Galiè N, Pruszczyk P, Bengel F, Brady AJ, Ferreira D, Janssens U, Klepetko W, Mayer E, Remy-Jardin M, Bassand JP |title=Guidelines on the diagnosis and management of acute pulmonary embolism: the Task Force for the Diagnosis and Management of Acute Pulmonary Embolism of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) |journal=Eur. Heart J. |volume=29|issue=18|pages=2276–315 |year=2008 |month=September |pmid=18757870 |doi=10.1093/eurheartj/ehn310|url=http://eurheartj.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/pmidlookup?view=long&pmid=18757870 |accessdate=2011-12-07}}</ref>==
 
{| class="wikitable"
|-
| colspan="1" style="text-align:center; background:LightGreen"|[[European society of cardiology#Classes of Recommendations|Class I]]
|-
| bgcolor="LightGreen"|<nowiki>"</nowiki>'''1.''' For patients with PE secondary to a transient (reversible) risk factor, treatment with a VKA is recommended for 3 months.''([[European society of cardiology#Level of Evidence|Level of Evidence: A]])''<nowiki>"</nowiki>
|-
| bgcolor="LightGreen"|<nowiki>"</nowiki>'''2.''' For patients with unprovoked PE, treatment with a VKA is recommended for at least 3 months. ''([[European society of cardiology#Level of Evidence|Level of Evidence: A]])''<nowiki>"</nowiki>
|-
| bgcolor="LightGreen"|<nowiki>"</nowiki>'''3.''' For patients with a second episode of unprovoked PE, long-term treatment is recommended. ''([[European society of cardiology#Level of Evidence|Level of Evidence: A]])''<nowiki>"</nowiki>
|-
| bgcolor="LightGreen"|<nowiki>"</nowiki>'''4.''' In patients who receive long-term anticoagulant treatment, the risk/benefit ratio of continuing such treatment should be reassessed at regular intervals. ''([[European society of cardiology#Level of Evidence|Level of Evidence: C]])''<nowiki>"</nowiki>
|-
| bgcolor="LightGreen"|<nowiki>"</nowiki>'''5.''' In patients with PE, the dose of VKA should be adjusted to maintain a target INR of 2.5 (range 2.0–3.0) regardless of treatment duration.''([[European society of cardiology#Level of Evidence|Level of Evidence: A]])''<nowiki>"</nowiki>
|}


{| class="wikitable"
|-
| colspan="1" style="text-align:center; background:LemonChiffon"| [[European society of cardiology#Classes of Recommendations|Class IIb]]
|-
| bgcolor="LemonChiffon"|<nowiki>"</nowiki>'''1.''' Patients with a first episode of unprovoked PE and low risk of bleeding, and in whom stable anticoagulation can be achieved, may be considered for long-term oral anticoagulation. ''([[European society of cardiology#Level of Evidence|Level of Evidence: B]])''<nowiki>"</nowiki>
|}
{| class="wikitable"
|-
| colspan="1" style="text-align:center; background:LemonChiffon"|[[European society of cardiology#Classes of Recommendations|Class IIa]]
|-
| bgcolor="LemonChiffon"|<nowiki>"</nowiki>'''1.''' For patients with PE and cancer, LMWH should be considered for the first 3–6 months ''([[European society of cardiology#Level of Evidence|Level of Evidence: B]])'' after this period, anticoagulant therapy with VKA or LMWH should be continued indefinitely or until the cancer is considered cured.''([[European society of cardiology#Classes of Recommendations|Class I]],[[European society of cardiology#Level of Evidence|Level of Evidence: C]])''<nowiki>"</nowiki>
|}
==References==
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Latest revision as of 23:53, 29 July 2020

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Resident
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Pulmonary Embolism Microchapters

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Editor(s)-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1], The APEX Trial Investigators; Associate Editor(s)-In-Chief: Kashish Goel, M.D.; Rim Halaby, M.D. [2]

This page provides algorithms about the treatment choices. For more details about the medical therapy, click here. For more details about embolectomy, click here.

Overview

Prompt recognition, diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary embolism is critical. Anticoagulant therapy is the mainstay of treatment for patients who are hemodynamically stable. If hemodynamic compromise is present, then fibrinolytic therapy is recommended.

Step 1: Confirm PE

Shown below is an algorithm depicting the initial diagnostic approach to pulmonary embolism.[1][2]

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Does the patient who is suspected to have PE have hypotension or shock?
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Yes
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
No
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Suspected high-risk PE
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Suspected non-high risk PE
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Administer anticoagulation
(in case there are no contraindications)
during the diagnostic workup
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Is a CT available immediately?
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
What is the pretest probability of PE?
Assess the pretest probability of PE
by using one of the risk score:
- Wells score
- Geneva score
- PERC
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
No
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Yes
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Order echocardiography
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Does the patient have RV overload?
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Low pretest probability
 
Intermediate pretest probability
 
High pretest probability
OR
PE is likely
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Administer anticoagulation
(in case there are no contraindications)
during the diagnostic workup
 
Administer anticoagulation
(in case there are no contraindications)
during the diagnostic workup
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
No
 
 
 
Yes
 
 
 
 
 
Order CT
 
 
 
 
 
Order D-dimer
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Positive
 
Negative
 
Positive
 
Negative
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Is the patient unstable
OR
no other tests are available?
 
Is the patient stabilized
AND
CT is now available?
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Order CT
 
PE is excluded
 
Order CT
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Positive
 
Negative
 
Positive
 
Negative
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PE is excluded
 
Consider thrombolytic therapy or embolectomy
 
Order CT
 
PE is confirmed
 
PE is excluded
 
PE is confirmed
 
PE is excluded
 
PE is confirmed
 
PE is excluded
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Positive for PE
 
Negative for PE
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PE is confirmed
 
PE is excluded
 
 

Step 2: Initial Treatment

Shown below is an algorithm depicting the initial management of pulmonary embolism.[1][2]

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Assess the severity of pulmonary embolism
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Massive PE
(also known as high-risk PE)
Cardiogenic shock
OR
Persistent hypotension (≤90mmHg)
OR
Drop of the blood pressure by ≥ 40mmHg for > 15 min[3]
OR
Pulselessness
OR
Profound bradycardia (<40 bpm) with findings of shock[4]
 
 
 
 
 
Submassive PE
(also know as intermediate-risk PE)
Right ventricular dysfunction
AND/OR
Myocardial injury (Troponin +)
 
 
 
 
 
Low-risk PE
No cardiogenic shock
AND
No hypotension
AND
No right ventricular dysfunction
AND
No myocardial injury (Troponin -)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Provide hemodynamic and respiratory support

Begin high dose unfractionated heparin [3]: Bolus 10.000 U

Continuous infusion of at least 1250 U/hour for a targeted apTT of at least 80 s

Administer rapidly 500-1000 mL of normal saline (Caution with fluid overload)[3]
Have a low threshold for ionotropes (dopamine or dobutamine)[3]

Administer oxygen for hypoxemic patients[3]
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Is there any contraindication for fibrinolytic therapy?
 
 
 
 
 
Is there any contraindication for anticoagulation therapy?
 
 
 
 
 
Is there any contraindication for anticoagulation therapy?
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NO
 
YES
 
NO
 
YES
 
NO
 
YES
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Discontinue unfractionated heparin
AND
Begin fibrinolytic therapy
 
Surgical pulmonary embolectomy
OR
Percutaneous catheter embolectomy
 
Anticoagulation therapy
AND
Hospital admission
 
IVC filter
AND
Hospital admission
 
Anticoagulation therapy
AND
Early discharge/home treatment
 
IVC filter
AND
Early discharge/home treatment
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Does the patient fail to improve
OR
Develop cardiogenic shock?
OR
Develop hypotension?
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Does the patient fail to improve
OR
Develop cardiogenic shock?
OR
Develop hypotension (<90 mmHg)?
OR
Develop respiratory distress (SaO2<95% with Borg score>8 or altered mental status)
OR
Have moderate to severe RV dysfunction (RV hypokinesis or estimated RVSP>40 mmHg)
OR
Elevated biomarkers (troponin> upper limit of normal, BNP>100 pg/mL, or pro-BNP>900 pg/mL)[4]
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
YES
 
NO
 
YES
 
NO
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Surgical pulmonary embolectomy
OR
Percutaneous catheter embolectomy
 
Continue with the same treatment
 
Is there any contraindication for fibrinolytic therapy?
 
Continue with the same treatment
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NO
 
YES
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Hold anticoagulation and give thrombolytics
 
Surgical pulmonary embolectomy
OR
Percutaneous catheter embolectomy
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Does the patient fail to improve?
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
YES
 
NO
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Surgical pulmonary embolectomy
OR
Percutaneous catheter embolectomy
 
Continue with the same treatment

Initial Anticoagulation Therapy

 
 
 
Begin initial anticoagulation therapy in:
Confirmed PE
OR
High or intermediate probability of PE while awaiting the diagnostic tests
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Is the patient high risk or non-high risk?
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
High risk
 
 
 
Non-high risk
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
❑ Administer IV unfractionated heparin[5]
 
 
 
Does the patient have:
High risk of bleeding
OR
Severe renal failure?
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Yes
 
No
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
❑ Administer unfractionated heparin:[1]
❑ IV injection
OR
❑ SC injection
 
❑ Administer ONE of the following:[5]
❑ SC low molecular weight heparin (1st line)
❑ SC fondaparinux (1st line)
❑ IV unfractionated heparin
❑ SC unfractionated heparin

Step 3: Long Term Anticoagulation Therapy

The long term management of PE depends on whether the episode is the first one or not, whether it is provoked or unprovoked, and on the risk of bleeding of the patient. Among non cancer patients, the first line therapy for long term management of PE is vitamin K antagonists (VKA); whereas the first line treatment among cancer patients is low molecular weight heparin. If long term treatment with VKA is decided, VKA should be started at the same day with heparin allowing for at least 5 days of overlap until the INR is ≥2 for at least 24 hours. Among patients on extended anticoagulation therapy, the risk vs benefits of the anticoagulation therapy should be assessed regularly (for example annually).[2]

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Is this the first episode of PE?
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
YES
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NO
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Is PE provoked?
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
What is the risk of bleeding?
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Yes, transient reversible risk factor
 
Yes, cancer
 
No (unprovoked)
 
Low or moderate
 
High
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Therapy for 3 months
VKA (first line)
OR
LMWH
OR
Dabigatran
OR
Rivaroxaban
 
Extended therapy or until cancer is cured
LMWH (first line)
OR
VKA
OR
Dabigatran
OR
Rivaroxaban
 
Therapy for ≥ 3 months
VKA (first line)
OR
LMWH
OR
Dabigatran
OR
Rivaroxaban
 
Extended therapy
VKA (first line)
OR
LMWH
OR
Dabigatran
OR
Rivaroxaban
 
Therapy for 3 months
VKA (first line)
OR
LMWH
OR
Dabigatran
OR
Rivaroxaban
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Re-assess the risk of bleeding
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Low or moderate
 
High
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Extended therapy
 
Do not extend the therapy beyond the initial 3 months
 
 
 
 
 
 


Note that edoxaban[6] has been evaluated for the treatment of VTE and is currently seeking approval for this indication.

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 Torbicki A, Perrier A, Konstantinides S, Agnelli G, Galiè N, Pruszczyk P; et al. (2008). "Guidelines on the diagnosis and management of acute pulmonary embolism: the Task Force for the Diagnosis and Management of Acute Pulmonary Embolism of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC)". Eur Heart J. 29 (18): 2276–315. doi:10.1093/eurheartj/ehn310. PMID 18757870.
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 Kearon C, Akl EA, Comerota AJ, Prandoni P, Bounameaux H, Goldhaber SZ; et al. (2012). "Antithrombotic therapy for VTE disease: Antithrombotic Therapy and Prevention of Thrombosis, 9th ed: American College of Chest Physicians Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guidelines". Chest. 141 (2 Suppl): e419S–94S. doi:10.1378/chest.11-2301. PMC 3278049. PMID 22315268.
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 Kucher N, Goldhaber SZ (2005). "Management of massive pulmonary embolism". Circulation. 112 (2): e28–32. doi:10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.105.551374. PMID 16009801.
  4. 4.0 4.1 Jaff MR, McMurtry MS, Archer SL, Cushman M, Goldenberg N, Goldhaber SZ; et al. (2011). "Management of massive and submassive pulmonary embolism, iliofemoral deep vein thrombosis, and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension: a scientific statement from the American Heart Association". Circulation. 123 (16): 1788–830. doi:10.1161/CIR.0b013e318214914f. PMID 21422387.
  5. 5.0 5.1 Holbrook A, Schulman S, Witt DM, Vandvik PO, Fish J, Kovacs MJ; et al. (2012). "Evidence-based management of anticoagulant therapy: Antithrombotic Therapy and Prevention of Thrombosis, 9th ed: American College of Chest Physicians Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guidelines". Chest. 141 (2 Suppl): e152S–84S. doi:10.1378/chest.11-2295. PMC 3278055. PMID 22315259.
  6. Hokusai-VTE Investigators. Büller HR, Décousus H, Grosso MA, Mercuri M, Middeldorp S; et al. (2013). "Edoxaban versus warfarin for the treatment of symptomatic venous thromboembolism". N Engl J Med. 369 (15): 1406–15. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa1306638. PMID 23991658. Review in: Ann Intern Med. 2014 Jan 21;160(2):JC4 Review in: Ann Intern Med. 2014 Mar 18;160(6):JC4

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