Clinical update on thrombolytic use in pulmonary embolism: A focus on intermediate-risk patients.

Purpose: Current literature on clinical controversies surrounding the use of thrombolytic agents in patients with intermediate-risk pulmonary embolism (PE) is reviewed.

Summary: PE is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. When used in conjunction with anticoagulation, thrombolysis has been shown to reduce hemodynamic decompensation in select patients, but thrombolytic therapy is associated with high risks of bleeding and intracranial hemorrhage and its role in treating patients with intermediate-risk PE remains controversial.