Pulmonary Embolism
According to medical consensus, a pulmonary embolism (PE) is the third most common cause of cardiovascular death in the United States, following myocardial infarction and stroke. As cardiac sonographers, we use echocardiography to detect key signs.
A pulmonary embolism occurs when a blood clot blocks a vessel in the lungs, disrupting flow and oxygen exchange. This condition is a medical emergency that requires immediate diagnosis and treatment. A PE can occur in an acute, subacute, or chronic setting.
The Cleveland Clinic reports that approximately 1/3 of patients with a pulmonary embolism die before receiving a diagnosis and treatment, highlighting the critical role of echocardiography in improving patient outcomes.
Key Echo Findings
1. Right ventricular dilation and dysfunction - Measure TAPSE, TDI, FAC
2. Right heart strain - McConnell’s sign, septal flattening or bowing, right heart enlargement
3. Interventricular septum morphology - A D-shape seen in short axis images as the septum bows towards the left heart
4. Pulmonary hypertension and hemodynamics - Right ventricular systolic pressures (close attention to peak TR & IVC collapsibility) with cor pulmonale in mind
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