Abstract
Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a common clinical entity, which most clinicians will encounter.
Appropriate risk stratification of patients is key to identify those who may benefit
from reperfusion therapy. The first step in risk assessment should be the identification
of hemodynamic instability and, if present, urgent patient consideration for systemic
thrombolytics. In the absence of shock, there is a plethora of imaging studies, biochemical
markers, and clinical scores that can be used to further assess the patients' short-term
mortality risk. Integrated prediction models incorporate more information toward an
individualized and precise mortality prediction. Additionally, bleeding risk scores
should be utilized prior to initiation of anticoagulation and/or reperfusion therapy
administration. Here, we review the latest algorithms for a comprehensive risk stratification
of the patient with acute PE.
Keywords
pulmonary embolism - risk stratification - prediction tools - algorithms
