Author/Editor		Pehnec, Z
Title		Pljučna embolija: diagnostični in terapevtski izziv
Translated title		Pulmonary embolism: a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge
Type		članek
Source		In: Borin P, Hojs R, Kamenik B, et al, editors. "Iz prakse za prakso". 4. mariborsko srečanje internistov in zdravnikov splošne medicine: nekatera izbrana poglavja iz urgentne interne medicine; 1993 okt 16; Maribor. Maribor: Zdravniško društvo Maribor,
Publication year		1993
Volume		str. 57-64
Language		slo
Abstract		It is presumed that in the USA 600,000 people are afflicted with pulmonary embolism (P.E.) every year (2-3 per 1000 cases hospitalized). In untreated cases the mortality rate is high, 18-38%. When the disease is adequately diagnosed and treated, the mortality rate is significantly lower, about 8%.Frequently P.E. is not discovered before autopsy and these very data uncover the great difficulties in setting the diagnosis for P.E. False positive diagnoses of P.E., not confirmed by autopsy, were discovered in 32-62% and false negative, clinically unconfirmed diagnoses in up to 84%. Clinical symptoms and signs of P.E. are unspecific and depend on the extent of the embolism, the general condition of the patient and on the influence of other diseases. Classic diagnostic methods: laboratory investigations, ECG and survey X-rays of heart and lungs all contribute to the diagnosis of P.E. and serve above all to exclude other diseases. The most valuable investigation in setting the diagnosis for P.E. is pulmonary perfusion scintigraphy. Pulmonary angiograpliy is the only diagnostic method which ultimately confirms P.E. The basic and verified treatment for P.E. is anticoagulan therapy with continuous infusion of heparin, and further peroral anticoagulant therapy. In cases of massive P.E., the application of thrombolytic therapy is increasing.
Descriptors		PULMONARY EMBOLISM ANTICOAGULANTS THROMBOLYTIC THERAPY