Clinical profile of patients of acute pulmonary thromboembolism

Abstract

Background: Pulmonary embolism is a common and potentially life threatening condition. Most patients who succumb to pulmonary embolism do so within the first few hours of the event. The aim of the study was to observe the clinical profile, management and outcome in patients of pulmonary embolism.Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted in the Department of Medicine in a Tertiary care hospital in Western Maharashtra for a period of two years. 55 patients with confirmed diagnosis on CTPA (Computed tomography pulmonary angiography) were included in our study. A detailed history, examination and investigations like D dimer were done in all cases.Results: Mean age of the study cases was 44.98 years with 40% of the cases between 31-50 years of age. Overall male predominance was seen (83.6%). Most common associated co-morbidity was diabetes (32.7%). The commonest risk factor seen in the present study was history of smoking (29.1%). Dyspnoea was the most common presenting complaint (72.7%). Commonest presenting sign was tachycardia (43.6%). In present study, mortality rate among cases of pulmonary embolism was observed as 3.6%..Conclusions: Mean age of the study cases was 44.98 years with 40% of the cases between 31-50 years of age. Overall male predominance was seen (83.6%). Most common associated co-morbidity was diabetes (32.7%). The commonest risk factor seen in the present study was history of smoking (29.1%). Dyspnoea was the most common presenting complaint (72.7%). Commonest presenting sign was tachycardia (43.6%). In present study, mortality rate among cases of pulmonary embolism was observed as 3.6%.