Inflammation as a Cornerstone in the Early Diagnosis and Treatment of Pulmonary Embolism
Alexandru Covaciu, Emanuel Cojocariu, Elena Bobescu, Valentina Benza, Nicoleta Cojocaru, Georgiana Laura Stefănescu, Madalina Ivascu, Lilia Aida Mahjoub, Andreea Amalia Tomulescu, Christian Gabriel Strempel, Horatiu RusABSTRACT
Background
Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a major cause of cardiovascular death and was increasingly diagnosed during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the role of inflammation alongside genetic and acquired risk factors. Despite effective therapies, PE remains underdiagnosed. This study analyzed patient characteristics, risk factors, inflammatory markers, and management strategies.
Materials and Methods
We conducted a retrospective study of 97 patients with PE admitted to the Cardiology Department of the County Emergency Clinical Hospital Brașov between March 2021 and April 2022. Clinical, biological, and therapeutic data were systematically evaluated.
Results
The mean age was 66.8 years, with near-equal sex distribution. The most frequent symptoms were dyspnea, unilateral lower limb edema, and chest pain; hemodynamic instability was rare. Major risk factors included age >60 years, hypertension, and obesity. One-third of patients had recent SARS-CoV-2 infection or vaccination (<4 months). Inflammatory and thrombotic markers (leukocytosis, CRP, fibrinogen, D-dimer) were frequently abnormal. Most patients received low-molecular-weight heparin; thrombolysis was used selectively.
Conclusions
PE management during the pandemic emphasized the importance of inflammation in risk stratification, monitoring, and prognosis. Identifying patient-specific risk factors and refining treatment strategies remain essential for improving outcomes in this high–risk population.