Acute pulmonary embolism

Characteristic clinical setting may be obvious. For example prolonged immobilisation, recent surgery or intake of oral contraceptives. Clinical examination may reveal calf muscles tenderness, tachypnoea and tachycardia. Respiratory system examination may show a variety of physical signs like crepitations over involved areas, pleural rub or pleural effusion. Cardiovascular system examination might show evidences of acute right ventricular failure including a right sided third heart sound , the murmur of pulmonary regurgitation or increased intensity of the pulmonary component of second heart sound. Salient investigation include chest radiography, electrocardiogram, helical CT scan, echocardiography, pleural effusion, aortography , pleural friction rub and pulmonary scan.