**1. Introduction**

18 Pulmonary Embolism

Yanbaeva, DG., Dentener, MA., Creutzberg, EC., Wesseling, G., & Wouters, EF. (2007),

Yarnell, JW., Sweetnam, PM., Rumley, A., & Lowe, GD. (2000). Lifestyle and hemostatic risk

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> Acute pulmonary embolism (PE) is an under-diagnosed but potentially fatal condition. This condition presents with a wide clinical spectrum, from asymptomatic small PE to lifethreatening one causing cardiogenic shock.

> Depending on the estimated risk of an adverse outcome, treatment with thrombolysis or embolectomy may be indicated in high-risk individuals. Conversely, early hospital discharge or even home treatment with anti-coagulation may be considered in low risk PE. Thus, a systematic approach to risk stratification is essential in guiding the management of patients diagnosed with acute PE. Evidence-based prognostic tools such as clinical scores, echocardiography, computed tomography scans, and cardiac biomarkers will be discussed.
