Pulmonary Embolism in Deep Vein Thrombosis

Jung, Suk In; Choi, Sang Yong; Whang, Cheung Wung

Abstract

Pulmonary embolism represents the most important complication of deep vein thrombosis, it is of particular concern to surgeons whose patients are prone to develop deep vein thrombosis in the immediate postoperative period. It is a significant source of hospital morbidity and mortality and despite an improved understanding of the pathogenesis diagnosis and management of pulmonary embolism, there continues to be frequent and significant mortality. Most current articles on venous thromboembolism begin with the statement that pulmonary embolism is a common problem and remains a significant cause of mortality in the western countries in spite of recent development in diagnostic and therapeutic modality. We evaluated clinical symptoms, diagnostic modality and therapeutic results of pulmonary embolism which was associated with deep vein thrombosis in 26 cases at Korea University Hospital between 1991 to 1996. Among 26 cases, 20 cases were male and 6 cases were female. The symptoms or signs were dyspnea(76.9%), tachypnea(65.4%), tachycardia(46.2%). The pulmonary perfusion scan was done in 18 cases and 16 cases were observed positive findings. The location of abnormal finding of perfusion scans were 8 both lung(44.4%), 5 right lung(27.7%), 3 left(16.7%). Treatment modalities were heparin, warfain in all cases, thromboembolectomy in 2 cases and insertion of IVC filter in 6 cases. Mortality was 11.5%. In conclusion, pulmonary embolism was not uncommon in Korea and its clinical feature were not greatly differ from literatures. In deep vein thrombosis, major concern and inspection are required to detect pulmonary embolism.