Beneficial effects of hydrocortisone and papaverine on a model of pulmonary embolism induced by autologous blood clots in isolated and perfused rabbit lungs.

Background And Objective: Mechanical obstruction has been considered the prime determinant of haemodynamic changes after pulmonary embolism (PE); however, the function of vasoconstrictive and inflammatory mediators in the physiopathology of this disease is unclear. The aim of this investigation was to study the effect of an anti-inflammatory and a vasodilator in a setting of induced PE.

Methods: A prospective, laboratory study was undertaken using 30 New Zealand white rabbits.