Pulmonary embolism pathophysiology: Difference between revisions

Jump to navigation Jump to search
Line 19: Line 19:
=== Hemodynamic Consequences ===
=== Hemodynamic Consequences ===
*Hemodynamic complications and the nature of the clinical manifestations of a pulmonary embolism depend on a number of factors:<ref name="Hellas">Kostadima, E., & Zakynthinos, E. (2007). Pulmonary Embolism: Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, Treatment. Hellenic Journal of Cardiology, 94-107.</ref>
*Hemodynamic complications and the nature of the clinical manifestations of a pulmonary embolism depend on a number of factors:<ref name="Hellas">Kostadima, E., & Zakynthinos, E. (2007). Pulmonary Embolism: Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, Treatment. Hellenic Journal of Cardiology, 94-107.</ref>
** The size of the embolus and the degree to which it occludes the vascular tree and its subsequent branches.     
** The size of the [[embolus]] and the degree to which it occludes the vascular tree and its subsequent branches
** The presence of any preexisting cardiopulmonary conditions
** The presence of any preexisting cardiopulmonary conditions
** The role of chemical [[vasoconstriction]] as it is insinuated by platelets releasing [[serotonin]] and [[thromboxane]] which adhere to the embolus
** The role of chemical [[vasoconstriction]] as it is insinuated by [[platelets releasing]] [[serotonin]] and [[thromboxane]] in addition to other vasoconstrictors
** The presence of pulmonary artery dilatation and subsequent [[vasoconstriction|reflex vasoconstriction]].
** The presence of pulmonary artery dilatation and subsequent [[vasoconstriction|reflex vasoconstriction]]


* Pulmonary embolism results in the elevation of the pulmonary vessel resistance as a consequence of not only mechanical obstruction of the capillary by the embolism, but also due to pulmonary vasoconstriction.  Pulmonary vasoconstriction can be either biochemically mediated, hypoxia induced, or reflex-induced. (1555481)(11033105)
* PE results in the elevation of the pulmonary vessel resistance as a consequence of not only mechanical obstruction of the [[capillary]] by the [[embolism]], but also due to pulmonary vasoconstriction.  Pulmonary vasoconstriction can be either biochemically mediated, hypoxia induced, or reflex-induced.<ref name="pmid1555481">{{cite journal| author=Elliott CG| title=Pulmonary physiology during pulmonary embolism. | journal=Chest | year= 1992 | volume= 101 | issue= 4 Suppl | pages= 163S-171S | pmid=1555481 | doi= | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=1555481  }} </ref><ref name="pmid11033105">{{cite journal| author=Smulders YM| title=Pathophysiology and treatment of haemodynamic instability in acute pulmonary embolism: the pivotal role of pulmonary vasoconstriction. | journal=Cardiovasc Res | year= 2000 | volume= 48 | issue= 1 | pages= 23-33 | pmid=11033105 | doi= | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=11033105 }} </ref>


* Several mediators are involved the pulmonary vasoconstriction that occurs in the setting of acute PE, such as:
* Several mediators are involved the pulmonary [[vasoconstriction]] that occurs in the setting of acute PE, such as:
** Thromboxane A2 (end product of arachidonic acid metabolism)<ref name="pmid11033105">{{cite journal| author=Smulders YM| title=Pathophysiology and treatment of haemodynamic instability in acute pulmonary embolism: the pivotal role of pulmonary vasoconstriction. | journal=Cardiovasc Res | year= 2000 | volume= 48 | issue= 1 | pages= 23-33 | pmid=11033105 | doi= | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=11033105  }} </ref>
** [[Thromboxane]] A2 (end product of [[arachidonic acid]] metabolism)<ref name="pmid11033105">{{cite journal| author=Smulders YM| title=Pathophysiology and treatment of haemodynamic instability in acute pulmonary embolism: the pivotal role of pulmonary vasoconstriction. | journal=Cardiovasc Res | year= 2000 | volume= 48 | issue= 1 | pages= 23-33 | pmid=11033105 | doi= | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=11033105  }} </ref>
** Serotonin (vasoconstrictor in the pulmonary circulation and vasodilator in the systemic circulation)<ref name="pmid11033105">{{cite journal| author=Smulders YM| title=Pathophysiology and treatment of haemodynamic instability in acute pulmonary embolism: the pivotal role of pulmonary vasoconstriction. | journal=Cardiovasc Res | year= 2000 | volume= 48 | issue= 1 | pages= 23-33 | pmid=11033105 | doi= | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=11033105  }} </ref>
** [[Serotonin]] (vasoconstrictor in the pulmonary circulation and vasodilator in the systemic circulation)<ref name="pmid11033105">{{cite journal| author=Smulders YM| title=Pathophysiology and treatment of haemodynamic instability in acute pulmonary embolism: the pivotal role of pulmonary vasoconstriction. | journal=Cardiovasc Res | year= 2000 | volume= 48 | issue= 1 | pages= 23-33 | pmid=11033105 | doi= | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=11033105  }} </ref>
** Endothelin 1<ref name="pmid11033105">{{cite journal| author=Smulders YM| title=Pathophysiology and treatment of haemodynamic instability in acute pulmonary embolism: the pivotal role of pulmonary vasoconstriction. | journal=Cardiovasc Res | year= 2000 | volume= 48 | issue= 1 | pages= 23-33 | pmid=11033105 | doi= | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=11033105  }} </ref>
** [[Endothelin 1]]<ref name="pmid11033105">{{cite journal| author=Smulders YM| title=Pathophysiology and treatment of haemodynamic instability in acute pulmonary embolism: the pivotal role of pulmonary vasoconstriction. | journal=Cardiovasc Res | year= 2000 | volume= 48 | issue= 1 | pages= 23-33 | pmid=11033105 | doi= | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=11033105  }} </ref>
** Prostaglandin F2alpha<ref name="pmid11033105">{{cite journal| author=Smulders YM| title=Pathophysiology and treatment of haemodynamic instability in acute pulmonary embolism: the pivotal role of pulmonary vasoconstriction. | journal=Cardiovasc Res | year= 2000 | volume= 48 | issue= 1 | pages= 23-33 | pmid=11033105 | doi= | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=11033105  }} </ref>
** [[Prostaglandin]] F2α<ref name="pmid11033105">{{cite journal| author=Smulders YM| title=Pathophysiology and treatment of haemodynamic instability in acute pulmonary embolism: the pivotal role of pulmonary vasoconstriction. | journal=Cardiovasc Res | year= 2000 | volume= 48 | issue= 1 | pages= 23-33 | pmid=11033105 | doi= | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=11033105  }} </ref>
** Thrombin<ref name="pmid14656907">{{cite journal| author=Goldhaber SZ, Elliott CG| title=Acute pulmonary embolism: part I: epidemiology, pathophysiology, and diagnosis. | journal=Circulation | year= 2003 | volume= 108 | issue= 22 | pages= 2726-9 | pmid=14656907 | doi=10.1161/01.CIR.0000097829.89204.0C | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=14656907  }} </ref>
** [[Thrombin]]<ref name="pmid14656907">{{cite journal| author=Goldhaber SZ, Elliott CG| title=Acute pulmonary embolism: part I: epidemiology, pathophysiology, and diagnosis. | journal=Circulation | year= 2003 | volume= 108 | issue= 22 | pages= 2726-9 | pmid=14656907 | doi=10.1161/01.CIR.0000097829.89204.0C | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=14656907  }} </ref>
** Histamine<ref name="pmid14656907">{{cite journal| author=Goldhaber SZ, Elliott CG| title=Acute pulmonary embolism: part I: epidemiology, pathophysiology, and diagnosis. | journal=Circulation | year= 2003 | volume= 108 | issue= 22 | pages= 2726-9 | pmid=14656907 | doi=10.1161/01.CIR.0000097829.89204.0C | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=14656907  }} </ref>
** [[Histamine]]<ref name="pmid14656907">{{cite journal| author=Goldhaber SZ, Elliott CG| title=Acute pulmonary embolism: part I: epidemiology, pathophysiology, and diagnosis. | journal=Circulation | year= 2003 | volume= 108 | issue= 22 | pages= 2726-9 | pmid=14656907 | doi=10.1161/01.CIR.0000097829.89204.0C | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=14656907  }} </ref>


* While serotonin and thromboxane A2 are mainly produced by activated platelets, the vascular wall and pulmonary endocrine cells might also be the source of vasoconstrictors.<ref name="pmid11033105">{{cite journal| author=Smulders YM| title=Pathophysiology and treatment of haemodynamic instability in acute pulmonary embolism: the pivotal role of pulmonary vasoconstriction. | journal=Cardiovasc Res | year= 2000 | volume= 48 | issue= 1 | pages= 23-33 | pmid=11033105 | doi= | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=11033105  }} </ref>
* While [[serotonin]] and [[thromboxane A2]] are mainly produced by activated [[platelets]], the vascular wall and pulmonary neuroendocrine cells might also be the source of vasoconstrictors.<ref name="pmid11033105">{{cite journal| author=Smulders YM| title=Pathophysiology and treatment of haemodynamic instability in acute pulmonary embolism: the pivotal role of pulmonary vasoconstriction. | journal=Cardiovasc Res | year= 2000 | volume= 48 | issue= 1 | pages= 23-33 | pmid=11033105 | doi= | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=11033105  }} </ref>


* When pulmonary vascular resistance occurs following an acute PE, the rapid increase in the right ventricular afterload leads to the dilatation of the RV wall and subsequent right heart failure. In addition, the elevated pulmonary vascular resistance causes a decrease in the left ventricular preload and consequently leads to systemic hypotension.<ref name="pmid3916797">{{cite journal| author=Wiedemann HP, Matthay RA| title=Acute right heart failure. | journal=Crit Care Clin | year= 1985 | volume= 1 | issue= 3 | pages= 631-61 | pmid=3916797 | doi= | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=3916797  }} </ref><ref name="pmid7484782">{{cite journal| author=Lualdi JC, Goldhaber SZ| title=Right ventricular dysfunction after acute pulmonary embolism: pathophysiologic factors, detection, and therapeutic implications. | journal=Am Heart J | year= 1995 | volume= 130 | issue= 6 | pages= 1276-82 | pmid=7484782 | doi= | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=7484782  }} </ref> In patients with underlying cardiopulmonary disease, the [[cardiac output]] suffers substantial deterioration in overall output as compared to otherwise healthy individuals.
* When pulmonary vascular resistance occurs following an acute PE, the rapid increase in the right ventricular [[afterload]] leads to the dilatation of the right ventricular wall and subsequent [[right heart failure]]. In addition, the elevated pulmonary vascular resistance causes a decrease in the [[LV|left ventricular]] [[preload]] and consequently leads to systemic [[hypotension]].<ref name="pmid3916797">{{cite journal| author=Wiedemann HP, Matthay RA| title=Acute right heart failure. | journal=Crit Care Clin | year= 1985 | volume= 1 | issue= 3 | pages= 631-61 | pmid=3916797 | doi= | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=3916797  }} </ref><ref name="pmid7484782">{{cite journal| author=Lualdi JC, Goldhaber SZ| title=Right ventricular dysfunction after acute pulmonary embolism: pathophysiologic factors, detection, and therapeutic implications. | journal=Am Heart J | year= 1995 | volume= 130 | issue= 6 | pages= 1276-82 | pmid=7484782 | doi= | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=7484782  }} </ref> In patients with underlying cardiopulmonary disease, the [[cardiac output]] suffers substantial deterioration in overall output as compared to otherwise healthy individuals.


* Right heart failure, as well as systemic hypotension, can contribute to decrease coronary perfusion and subsequent coronary ischemia.<ref name="pmid3916797">{{cite journal| author=Wiedemann HP, Matthay RA| title=Acute right heart failure. | journal=Crit Care Clin | year= 1985 | volume= 1 | issue= 3 | pages= 631-61 | pmid=3916797 | doi= | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=3916797  }} </ref><ref name="pmid7484782">{{cite journal| author=Lualdi JC, Goldhaber SZ| title=Right ventricular dysfunction after acute pulmonary embolism: pathophysiologic factors, detection, and therapeutic implications. | journal=Am Heart J | year= 1995 | volume= 130 | issue= 6 | pages= 1276-82 | pmid=7484782 | doi= | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=7484782  }} </ref>
* [[Right heart failure]], as well as systemic [[hypotension]], can attenuate [[coronary perfusion]] and contribute to subsequent [[coronary ischemia]].<ref name="pmid3916797">{{cite journal| author=Wiedemann HP, Matthay RA| title=Acute right heart failure. | journal=Crit Care Clin | year= 1985 | volume= 1 | issue= 3 | pages= 631-61 | pmid=3916797 | doi= | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=3916797  }} </ref><ref name="pmid7484782">{{cite journal| author=Lualdi JC, Goldhaber SZ| title=Right ventricular dysfunction after acute pulmonary embolism: pathophysiologic factors, detection, and therapeutic implications. | journal=Am Heart J | year= 1995 | volume= 130 | issue= 6 | pages= 1276-82 | pmid=7484782 | doi= | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=7484782  }} </ref>


* In summary, the hemodynamic consequences of PE include:
* In summary, the hemodynamic consequences of PE include:

Revision as of 19:47, 7 July 2014

Pulmonary Embolism Microchapters

Home

Patient Information

Overview

Historical Perspective

Classification

Pathophysiology

Causes

Differentiating Pulmonary Embolism from other Diseases

Epidemiology and Demographics

Risk Factors

Triggers

Natural History, Complications and Prognosis

Diagnosis

Diagnostic criteria

Assessment of Clinical Probability and Risk Scores

Pulmonary Embolism Assessment of Probability of Subsequent VTE and Risk Scores

History and Symptoms

Physical Examination

Laboratory Findings

Arterial Blood Gas Analysis

D-dimer

Biomarkers

Electrocardiogram

Chest X Ray

Ventilation/Perfusion Scan

Echocardiography

Compression Ultrasonography

CT

MRI

Treatment

Treatment approach

Medical Therapy

IVC Filter

Pulmonary Embolectomy

Pulmonary Thromboendarterectomy

Discharge Care and Long Term Treatment

Prevention

Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy

Future or Investigational Therapies

Follow-Up

Support group

Special Scenario

Pregnancy

Cancer

Trials

Landmark Trials

Case Studies

Case #1

Pulmonary embolism pathophysiology On the Web

Most recent articles

Most cited articles

Review articles

CME Programs

Powerpoint slides

Images

Ongoing Trials at Clinical Trials.gov

US National Guidelines Clearinghouse

NICE Guidance

FDA on Pulmonary embolism pathophysiology

CDC on Pulmonary embolism pathophysiology

Pulmonary embolism pathophysiology in the news

Blogs on Pulmonary embolism pathophysiology

Directions to Hospitals Treating Pulmonary embolism pathophysiology

Risk calculators and risk factors for Pulmonary embolism pathophysiology

Editor(s)-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1], The APEX Trial Investigators; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief:

Overview

Pulmonary embolism occurs when there is an acute obstruction of the pulmonary artery or one of its branches. It is commonly caused by a venous thrombus that has dislodged from its site of formation and embolized to the arterial blood supply of one of the lungs. The process of clot formation and embolization is termed thromboembolism.

Pathophysiology

Clot Formation

  • Most pulmonary emboli commonly originate in the iliofemoral vein, deep within the vasculature of the lower extremity.
  • Less commonly, a pulmonary embolism may also arise in the upper extremity veins, renal veins, or pelvic veins.
  • The development of thrombosis is classically due to a group of conditions referred to as Virchow's triad. Virchow's triad includes alterations in blood flow, factors in the vessel wall, and factors affecting the properties of the blood. It is common for more than one risk factor to be present. Shown below is an image depicting Virchow's triad.

Embolization

  • After formation, a thrombus might dislodge from the site of origin and circulate through the inferior vena cava, into the right ventricle, and into the pulmonary vasculature.[1]

Hemodynamic Consequences

  • Hemodynamic complications and the nature of the clinical manifestations of a pulmonary embolism depend on a number of factors:[2]
  • PE results in the elevation of the pulmonary vessel resistance as a consequence of not only mechanical obstruction of the capillary by the embolism, but also due to pulmonary vasoconstriction. Pulmonary vasoconstriction can be either biochemically mediated, hypoxia induced, or reflex-induced.[3][4]
  • While serotonin and thromboxane A2 are mainly produced by activated platelets, the vascular wall and pulmonary neuroendocrine cells might also be the source of vasoconstrictors.[4]
  • When pulmonary vascular resistance occurs following an acute PE, the rapid increase in the right ventricular afterload leads to the dilatation of the right ventricular wall and subsequent right heart failure. In addition, the elevated pulmonary vascular resistance causes a decrease in the left ventricular preload and consequently leads to systemic hypotension.[6][7] In patients with underlying cardiopulmonary disease, the cardiac output suffers substantial deterioration in overall output as compared to otherwise healthy individuals.

Adaptive Mechanisms

  • Changes in the the right ventricle occur as an adaptative mechanism of the right ventricle to preserve pulmonary perfusion. Without these adaptations, a PE can lead to right heart failure.[8] These adaptations aim to:
    • Generate a systolic blood pressure in excess of 50 mmHg
    • Maintain an average pulmonary artery pressure of approximately 40 mmHg

Abnormalities in Gas Exchange

  • In PE, hypoxemia occurs mainly due to the ventilation perfusion mismatch.[5] In fact, in the setting of an acute PE, the ventilation to perfusion ratio (V/Q) increases and the dead space enlarges.[9]

Mechanism

The diagram below summarizes the sequence of pathophysiologic events in pulmonary embolism:[10]

References

  1. McGill University. (2004, June 24). Pulmonary Embolism. Retrieved May 7, 2012, from McGill Virtual Stethoscope Pathophysiology.
  2. Kostadima, E., & Zakynthinos, E. (2007). Pulmonary Embolism: Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, Treatment. Hellenic Journal of Cardiology, 94-107.
  3. Elliott CG (1992). "Pulmonary physiology during pulmonary embolism". Chest. 101 (4 Suppl): 163S–171S. PMID 1555481.
  4. 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6 Smulders YM (2000). "Pathophysiology and treatment of haemodynamic instability in acute pulmonary embolism: the pivotal role of pulmonary vasoconstriction". Cardiovasc Res. 48 (1): 23–33. PMID 11033105.
  5. 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 Goldhaber SZ, Elliott CG (2003). "Acute pulmonary embolism: part I: epidemiology, pathophysiology, and diagnosis". Circulation. 108 (22): 2726–9. doi:10.1161/01.CIR.0000097829.89204.0C. PMID 14656907.
  6. 6.0 6.1 Wiedemann HP, Matthay RA (1985). "Acute right heart failure". Crit Care Clin. 1 (3): 631–61. PMID 3916797.
  7. 7.0 7.1 Lualdi JC, Goldhaber SZ (1995). "Right ventricular dysfunction after acute pulmonary embolism: pathophysiologic factors, detection, and therapeutic implications". Am Heart J. 130 (6): 1276–82. PMID 7484782.
  8. Benotti JR, Dalen JE (1984). "The natural history of pulmonary embolism". Clin Chest Med. 5 (3): 403–10. PMID 6488744.
  9. Itti E, Nguyen S, Robin F, Desarnaud S, Rosso J, Harf A; et al. (2002). "Distribution of ventilation/perfusion ratios in pulmonary embolism: an adjunct to the interpretation of ventilation/perfusion lung scans". J Nucl Med. 43 (12): 1596–602. PMID 12468507.
  10. Fengler BT, Brady WJ (2009). "Fibrinolytic therapy in pulmonary embolism: an evidence-based treatment algorithm". Am J Emerg Med. 27 (1): 84–95. doi:10.1016/j.ajem.2007.10.021. PMID 19041539. Retrieved 2011-12-21. Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)

Template:WH Template:WS