A Pioneering Heart Transplant Program

Cardiac syndromes

Pulmonary Embolism

An embolism is a circulatory condition that is caused when a foreign body (fat, tissue, thrombus) travels through the bloodstream, lodges in a blood vessel and obstructs blood flow. Pulmonary embolism is a blockage of the pulmonary artery, often as a result of a blood clot that arises from the pelvic or femoral veins. Emboli are linked to prolonged inactivity, a recent surgery or as a complication of intravenous use or an implanted medical device. Pulmonary infarction usually occurs six to 24 hours after a pulmonary embolus. Patients often present with dyspnea, rapid breathing, cyanosis and expectorated matter. Initial clinical presentation suggests myocardial infarction or pneumonia.

Pulmonary embolism is uncommon in infants and children; the condition causes death in one percent of pediatric patients. Consequently, diagnosis is often missed in children, particularly in those with other serious conditions. Newborns of diabetic mothers, those with congenital heart disease, and teens who use drugs, oral contraceptives or who have a protein C or S deficiency are at risk.