chronic pulmonary embolism

Introduction

Also see pulmonary embolism.

Etiology

• hypercoagulable state

Radiology

• ventilation-perfusion scan (V/Q scan) is positive in > 95% of patient
• magnetic resonance (MR) angiography scan is ~75% sensitive because the emboli are usually distal
• computed tomographic angiography is even less sensitive (~57%)

Complications

• pulmonary hypertension

Differential diagnosis

• chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension

Management

• anticoagulation
• see pulmonary embolism

More general terms

• pulmonary embolism (PE)
• chronic disease

Additional terms

• chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH)