Pathophysiology of pulmonary thromboembolism

Abstract

The pulmonary thromboembolism is a potentially fatal disorder, known as the most serious consequence of deep vein thrombosis. Most of these emboli are generated in the deep venous system of lower limbs, but can also be generated from pelvic and renal veins, upper limbs and right heart. After appearing, these emboli can break and impact the pulmonary artery or the lobe branches, depending on their size, leading to a hemodynamic compromise such as hypoxaemia, an increase in dead space and respiratory functions, a reduction of cardiac output, and pneumoconstriction, for example. There are many risk factors that predispose to deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism such as age, prolonged immobilization, orthopedic surgery and trauma, which should be considered for a correct diagnosis and an effective prophylaxis. Although its incidence has suffered a small decrease, the pulmonary embolism and deep vein thrombosis are an important public health problem.