Electrocardiogram in Pulmonary Embolism
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Acute pulmonary embolism (PE) is a relatively common medical emergency caused by occlusion of the pulmonary arteries. In most cases, pulmonary embolism is caused by a deep-vein thrombosis (DVT).
The high effectiveness of the immediate treatment becomes vital early diagnosis, but sometimes it is difficult, because the clinical signs and symptoms are non-specific.
Although the electrocardiogram in pulmonary embolism is not a test with high sensitivity or specificity, we can find EKG changes to support the diagnosis of PE.
Clinical Picture of Pulmonary Embolism
The main symptoms of pulmonary embolism are dyspnea, usually begin suddenly, and pleuritic chest pain. Pulmonary embolism may also present with pre-syncope or syncope, and in the most severe cases, with arterial hypotension and shock.
Predisposing Factors for Pulmonary Embolism
We must identify the predisposing factors for DVT and pulmonary embolism to evaluate the clinical suspicion and perform secondary prevention.
- Age.
- Previous pulmonary embolism or DVT.
- Active Cancer.
- Spinal cord injury.
- Surgery, trauma or immobilization.
- Pregnancy
- Hormone replacement therapy or oral contraceptive 1.
Electrocardiogram in Pulmonary Embolism
The electrocardiogram is not a sensitive test for the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism. In some cases appear certain changes that increase suspicion, helping in the diagnosis, but even in massive embolism, they are not always present 2.
EKG Changes Suggestive of Pulmonary Embolism
Pulmonary embolism on the EKG:
Right bundle branch block, S1Q3T3 pattern. Negative T waves in leads V1–V4.
Electrocardiogram with S1Q3T3 pattern (McGinn-White sign):
EKG with sinus tachycardia (136 bpm) with S wave in lead I, Q wave and negative T wave in lead III, common finding in pulmonary embolism.
The presence of these signs in an electrocardiogram, are suggestive but not diagnostic of pulmonary embolism. These EKG changes are also observed in other diseases which cause right ventricular overload such as cor pulmonale 2.
How to Diagnose Pulmonary Embolism?
Pulmonary embolism should be suspected in patients with sudden dyspnea, chest pain or syncope, with predisposing factors.
The electrocardiogram has an important role ruling out other diseases with similar symptoms (acute myocardial infarction). If the EKG changes previously described are present, suspicion of pulmonary embolism increases.
Suspected Pulmonary Embolism without Shock or Hypotension (Not High-risk PE)
In patients with suspected pulmonary embolism without shock or hypotension and low/intermediate clinical probability, plasma D-dimer measurement is the logical first step.
CT angiography is indicated in patients with an elevated D-dimer level.
In patients with a high clinical probability of PE, CT angiography is the first-line test 1.
Suspected Pulmonary Embolism with Shock or Hypotension (High-risk PE)
Suspected high-risk pulmonary embolism is an immediately life-threatening situation.
The most useful initial test in this situation is bedside transthoracic echocardiography, which will yield evidence of acute pulmonary hypertension and right Ventricular dysfunction.
Evidence of RV dysfunction is sufficient to prompt immediate reperfusion without further testing.
As soon as the patient can be stabilized by supportive treatment, final confirmation of the diagnosis by CT angiography should be sought 1.
Treatment of Pulmonary Embolism
High-risk Pulmonary Embolism
Pulmonary rmbolism with shock or hypotension has a high early mortality risk. Respiratory and hemodynamic support should be ensured with catecholamines, oxygen or mechanical ventilation.
Systemic thrombolysis is the treatment of choice for patients with high-risk PE, and parenteral anticoagulation should be initiated with unfractionated heparin.
In patients with contraindications to thrombolysis, or in whom thrombolysis has failed, surgical or percutaneous embolectomy is recommended.
Not high-risk Pulmonary Embolism
Pulmonary embolism without shock or hypotension often has better prognosis. Subcutaneous LMWH or fondaparinux is the treatment of choice. Systemic thrombolysis is not recommended in this patients.
In patients with hemodynamic stability but with right ventricular dysfunction (intermediate-high-risk group) systemic thrombolytic therapy is indicated to prevent potentially hemodynamic decompensation or collapse, if patients have low risk of bleeding.
Prevention of Recurrence of Pulmonary Embolism
Anticoagulation treatment with vitamin K antagonists or new oral anticoagulants is recommended for at least 3 months to prevent recurrence of venous thromboembolism.
Indefinite anticoagulant treatment is recommended in patients with recurrent PE, hereditary thrombophilia or cancer 1.
Related articles: Right bundle branch block, abnormal waves and intervals
References
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