Pulmonary Thromboembolism: Indian Scenario

Pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) is a major health problem with significant mortality and morbidity. It is a common and lethal condition. PTE and deep vein thrombosis (DVT) known collectively as venous thromboembolism (VTE) encompass one disease entity. Among cardiovascular diseases, VTE along with stroke and myocardial infarction rank as three big cardiovascular killers. PTE implies occlusion of pulmonary arterial circulation by the clot formed elsewhere usually in deep veins of the leg. Less than 5% of venous thrombosis occurs in other sites. Pulmonary thromboembolism hithertofore a diagnosis at postmortem is being increasingly diagnosed and treated in tertiary care hospitals in India and world over; thanks to increased awareness and availability of runaway technology for patients at risk.