Pulmonary Embolism Definitions

Introduction

Acute pulmonary embolism (PE) is a type of venous thromboembolism that is common but varies widely in presentation. Clinical presentation can vary to mild chest pain to shock which carries a high mortality rate. In this articles, we will be reviewing the nomenclature for acute PE.

Massive PE:

Acute PE with sustained hypotension (systolic blood pressure <90 mm Hg for at least 15 minutes or requiring inotropic support, not due to a cause other than PE, such as arrhythmia, hypovolemia, sepsis, or left ventricular [LV] dysfunction), pulselessness, or persistent profound bradycardia (heart rate <40 bpm with signs or symptoms of shock).

Hemodynamically unstable PE is also called "massive" or "high-risk" PE.

Submassive PE:

Hemodynamically stable PE is called "submassive" or "intermediate-risk" PE if there is associated right ventricular strain,

Low Risk PE:

If there is no evidence of right ventricular strain.