A Pulmonary Embolism (PE) occurs when a blood clot travels from the site of origin, usually the legs or pelvis, to the lungs, where it blocks blood flow and prevents oxygen from reaching the body's vital organs. PE is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition, and can cause shortness of breath, chest pain, coughing up blood, and low blood pressure.
The diagnosis of Venous Thromboembolism (VTE) involves a combination of clinical evaluation and diagnostic tests. The clinical evaluation includes a thorough medical history and physical examination to identify risk factors for VTE and to assess for signs and symptoms of DVT or PE. Diagnostic tests include imaging studies, such as ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) scans, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), to visualize the blood vessels and identify the presence of a blood clot.
