Vascular
Pulmonary Embolism
A blockage in one of the pulmonary arteries in your lungs, usually caused by blood clots that travel from the legs.
Pulmonary embolism (PE) occurs when a blood clot — most often from the deep leg veins — travels to the lungs and blocks blood flow. It is a medical emergency requiring urgent diagnosis and treatment.
Book a Consultation
A pulmonary embolism is a life-threatening medical emergency where a blood clot obstructs blood flow in the lungs, requiring immediate treatment.
Symptoms
- Sudden breathlessness
- Chest pain, especially on deep breathing
- Rapid heart rate
- Coughing up blood
- Light-headedness or collapse in severe cases
Risk Factors
- Deep vein thrombosis
- Prolonged immobility or recent surgery
- Active cancer
- Pregnancy
- Inherited clotting disorders
Diagnosis
- CT pulmonary angiography (CTPA) — gold standard
- D-dimer blood test
- ECG and echocardiography
- V/Q lung scan for patients with contrast allergy or kidney impairment
Treatment Options
- Anticoagulation with DOACs (rivaroxaban or apixaban) as first-line
- Systemic thrombolysis for high-risk massive PE
- Catheter-directed thrombolysis or mechanical thrombectomy
- Long-term anticoagulation to prevent recurrence
Concerned About Pulmonary Embolism?
Dr. Peter Chang offers specialist assessment and personalised management at Paragon Medical Centre, Singapore.