Present Status of Diagnostic Methods and Managements for Acute Pulmonary Embolism

Abstract

The diagnostic methods and managements for acute pulmonary embolism are influenced by the severity of the disease. Pulmonary angiography is more frequently used in more severe cases, but lung ventilation and perfusion scan are more frequently used in less severe cases. Thrombolysis and catheter interventional therapy (inspiration and/or fragmentation) are more frequently used in more severe cases. Inferior vena cava filter and catheter interventional therapy were used in as many as 35.3% and 10.5% of the cases with acute pulmonary embolism, respectively.