An acute central pulmonary embolus (PE) causes pulmonary artery obstruction and elevates pulmonary artery and right ventricular pressures, resulting in right ventricular and atrial strain and dilation. Acute massive PE may produce obstructive shock and subsequent death, and thus an accurate and timely diagnosis is important for the implementation of potentially lifesaving treatments including systemic fibrinolytic therapy or catheter-based treatments.
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