Identification of this disease is essential, since very effective treatment is available to prevent further embolism. It thus is a common problem for those who are hospitalized, or during prolonged travel, in which the legs are dependent, almost immobile, and frequently crossed. It may also occur in Buerger's disease, wherein the veins are involved primarily in an inflammatory process. Thus, increased fibrinogen, a blood protein, or platelets can raise the risk of thrombi. Deficiency of some proteins involved in the formation of a clot may also be implicated.
Shortness of breath is the major symptom of pulmonary emboli.
When blockage of a pulmonary artery branch results in damage of lung tissue, a patient may also cough up blood-stained sputum or experience chest pain aggravated by breathing. The diagnosis of pulmonary embolism is usually made through lung scans, in which the lung distribution of an inhaled nuclear isotope is compared with the distribution of an isotope injected intravenously and carried to the pulmonary artery. Initial treatment involves the use of heparin and bed rest. Most patients require a period of hospitalization. When the P.T. is maintained within a narrow therapeutic range, risks of thrombus formation or bleeding complications are minimized.