Guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of acute pulmonary embolism Review article

Abstract

The new guidelines introduced changes in terms of diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary embolism. Great emphasis was placed on the necessity of the risk of death assessment. The role of measuring D-dimer values adjusted to the patient’s age as well as echocardiography was highlighted, in which imaging of right ventricular overload may be helpful in the diagnosis of PE. The concept of hemodynamic instability has been redefined to allow appropriate therapy selection. In terms of pharmacotherapy, the superiority and safety of NOAC over current VKA has been demonstrated even in cancer patients, with the exception of gastrointestinal involvement. Attention was also paid to the prerequisite to create an integrated model of long-term patient care.