Clinical Manifestations of Acute Pulmonary Embolism: Henry Ford Hospital Experience, A Five-Year Review

Authors

Kenneth V. Leeper Jr.
John Popovich Jr.
Deborah Adams
Paul D. Stein

Abstract

Clinical findings of 112 patients with angiographically proven pulmonary embolism over a five-year period were analyzed. Recent immobilization, chronic heart disease, deep venous thrombosis, malignancy, and recent surgery were the most frequent predisposing factors. Only 5% had no identifiable risk factors. Presenting syndromes were circulatory collapse (25%), pulmonary infarction (59%), and uncomplicated pulmonary embolism (18%). Dyspnea and pleuritic chest pain were the predominant symptoms. The combination of dyspnea, pleuritic chest pain, and hemoptysis occurred in 23% of the patients. The most frequent signs were tachypnea, tachycardia, and rales. Most of the patients demonstrated arterial oxygen tension (PaO2) between 50 and 70 mm Hg, and 9% had a PaO2 greater than 80 mm Hg. The most common chest x-ray findings were infiltration and consolidation, pleural effusion, and atelectasis. The most common electrocardiographic abnormalities were nonspecific ST and T-wave changes in 42% of patients. Lung scans were most frequently interpreted as indeterminate probability. A continuing reassessment of the features of pulmonary embolism may assist in selecting patients for confirmatory diagnostic studies.

Recommended Citation

Leeper, Kenneth V. Jr.; Popovich, John Jr.; Adams, Deborah; and Stein, Paul D. (1988) "Clinical Manifestations of Acute Pulmonary Embolism: Henry Ford Hospital Experience, A Five-Year Review," Henry Ford Hospital Medical Journal : Vol. 36 : No. 1 , 29-34.
Available at: https://scholarlycommons.henryford.com/hfhmedjournal/vol36/iss1/9