Pulmonary thromboembolic disease spectrum: Diagnostic and therapeutic strategies

Pulmonary thromboembolic disease continues to be a challenge in terms of diagnosis and management. This is true for both the acute and chronic forms. Clinical presentation can be nonspecific and manifestations protean, hence a high index of clinical suspicion is warranted so that appropriate tests are performed to help clinch the diagnosis. Acute pulmonary embolus can result in death if untreated, and may progress to chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension if not diagnosed or if it is undertreated. This extensive literature review provides an up-to-date evidence-based approach to the management of acute and chronic pulmonary thromboembolic disease.