Crit Care Resusc
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Review Meta Analysis
Thrombolysis is not warranted in submassive pulmonary embolism: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Acute pulmonary embolism (PE) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in hospitalised patients. While the vast majority of patients with PE survive, a subset die, mostly within a few hours of presentation. Anatomically massive pulmonary emboli account for only half these deaths, while submassive or recurrent embolism accounts for the other half. ⋯ There is also evidence to support the use of thrombolysis in patients with massive PE. However, the optimal management of patients with submassive PE is controversial. This article looks at the definition and diagnosis of submassive PE, and systematically reviews the role of thrombolytic therapy in this subgroup of patients.