Emergency department management of pulmonary embolism

Perhaps the greatest threat to patients with pulmonary embolism (PE) is fai lure to be diagnosed. Correct decision regarding therapy can be made only a fter a correct diagnosis. The physician must know: (1) what is the natural course of events without treatment, (2) how are these events improved by th erapy, and (3) to which extent are these improvements mitigated by adverse effects of this therapy.