Tuberc Respir Dis.  1989 Sep;36(3):258-263. 10.4046/trd.1989.36.3.258.

A Case of Acute Massive Pulmonary Emoblism Complicated by Hypercapnia

• KMID: 2528549
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4046/trd.1989.36.3.258

Abstract

Acute massive pulmonary embolism usually results in dyspnea, tachypnea, hypoxemia, and hypocapnia. Hypercapnia complicating pulmonary embolism in the absence of underlying cardiopulmonary disease is an unusual phenomenon. The presence of hypercapnia should not exclude the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism and its occurrence should raise the possibility of extensive pulmonary vascular occlusion. Aggressive treatment modalities such as thrombolytic therapy or surgical embolectomy should be promptly considered after emergency pulmonary angiogram in presence of hypercapnia. We describe a case with acute massive pulmonary embolism complicated by hypercapnia without previous cardiopulmonary disease.