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Are the following true of false of pulmonary embolism (PE)?

True / False

Is the third greatest cause of mortality from cardiovascular disease Correct

Mortality has been estimated to exceed 15% in the first three months after diagnosis Correct

Is always associated with hypoxaemia Correct

Risk factors includes heart failure Incorrect answer selected

Causes decrease in the dead space Correct

Explanation

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a major cause of death and is said to be the third greatest cause of mortality from cardiovascular disease. The classical triad of Virchow and other factors predispose most cases of DVT and PE.

Virchow's triad comprises:

Local injury to the vascular wall, for example, vasculitis, previous thrombosis

Increased coagulability, for example, polycythaemia, contraceptive pill, carcinomas, and

Circulatory stasis,for example, prolonged immobility, advanced age, postoperative period, post-infarction period, heart failure, obesity and pregnancy.

Although PE increases dead space, hypoxia may only be manifested if the size of the embolus is large enough.

Reference:

Kostadima E, Zakynthinos E. Pulmonary embolism: pathophysiology, diagnosis, treatment. Hellenic J Cardiol. 2007;48:94-107.

Answer Statistics

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Average score: 74.07%

Times answered: 327