Chronic pulmonary embolism.

Preview Patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension have nonspecific complaints, and their disease is often not recognized until it is far advanced. Because medical management does not reverse the effects of the disease or prevent progression, pulmonary endarterectomy by an experienced surgical team is currently the preferred treatment. However, the risks of surgery are substantial and must be weighed against the probable benefit.

Acute pulmonary embolism.

Preview According to the authors, acute pulmonary embolism can never be considered clinically insignificant. Many patients die before reaching medical help, but appropriate therapy for those who survive may greatly reduce the potential for sudden death and long-term morbidity. This article describes the proper steps in the management of both stable and unstable acute pulmonary embolism.