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Clinical features of massive PE

Authoring team

The symptoms of massive pulmonary embolism include:

  • crushing chest pain
  • sudden circulatory collapse - patient becomes pale, sweaty and breathless
  • transient loss of consciousness
  • haemoptysis is uncommon

The signs of massive pulmonary embolism include:

  • central cyanosis
  • feeble pulse
  • tachycardia/bradycardia
  • hypotension
  • raised JVP
  • auscultation of heart reveals:
    • pulmonary hypertension (loud P2)
    • a third or fourth heart sound (gallup rhythm)

Ventricular fibrillation may ensue.

Reference

  1. Konstantinides SV, Meyer G, Becattini C, et al. 2019 ESC guidelines for the diagnosis and management of acute pulmonary embolism developed in collaboration with the European Respiratory Society (ERS). Eur Heart J. 2020 Jan 21;41(4):543-603.

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The content herein is provided for informational purposes and does not replace the need to apply professional clinical judgement when diagnosing or treating any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

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