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Semin Thromb Hemost 2023; 49(08): 797-808
DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1750025
Review Article

Right Ventricular Recovery: Early and Late Changes after Acute PE Diagnosis

Antoine Bejjani
1   Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
,
Candrika D. Khairani
1   Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
,
Gregory Piazza
1   Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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Abstract

Right ventricular (RV) failure is a critical cause of morbidity and mortality in patients presenting with pulmonary embolism (PE). The presentation of RV failure is based on the combination of clinical findings, laboratory abnormalities, and imaging evidence. An improved understanding of the pathophysiology of RV dysfunction following PE has given rise to more accurate risk stratification and broader therapeutic approaches. A subset of patients with PE develop chronic RV dysfunction with or without pulmonary hypertension. In this review, we focus on the impact of PE on the RV and its implications for risk stratification, prognosis, acute management, and long-term therapy.

Keywords

catheter-directed therapy - diagnosis - fibrinolysis - pulmonary embolism - right ventricular failure - risk stratification - treatment


Publication History

Article published online:
01 July 2022

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