Pulmonary Embolism

This text on pulmonary embolism covers areas such as epidemiology, pathophysiology, and echocardiography. The contributors also discuss ways of treating and preventing the disorder.

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Pulmonary embolism is regarded as one of the major challenges in medicine as correct diagnosis and rapid therapeutic intervention are critical Every year in the Western World approximately 4. 5 million people are suspected on having a pulmonary embolism and the diagnosis is confirmed in around 1. 5 million of them. Adequate diagnostic management not only influences the clinical outcome of these patients, but has also a considerable impact on health economy. This book has brought together leading experts in the field of venous thromboembolism from both sides of the Atlantic. The epidemiological aspects are described with identifiable risk factors described. Subsequently, the various diagnostic tests and their relation to clinical practice are reviewed. These diagnostic tests not only include well-established ones such as lung scintigraphy and pulmonary angiography, but also the latest developments in state- of-the-art techniques, including spiral computed tomography, electron beam computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging.