Post-pulmonary embolism syndrome: long-term complications of pulmonary embolism

Abstract

Background: People who survive an episode of pulmonary embolism (PE) have an increased risk of developing chronic complications even despite curative anticoagulant treatment. The association of dyspnea, low functional capacity, right heart failure, chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension or chronic thromboembolic pulmonary disease is part of the notion of post-pulmonary embolic syndrome (PPES). Due to the fact that this syndrome is still not clearly described and mainly underdiagnosed, a poor awareness of the disease by patients and physicians leads to delaying specific treatment with unlikely improvement of quality of life for these patients. Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension is the most severe complication, which, if not diagnosed and not treated in time, can lead to fatal consequences. To improve the overall health outcomes of patients with acute PE, adequate measures to diagnose it and strategies to prevent long-term outcomes of pulmonary embolism are essential. Conclusions: In this article, the data from the latest publications have been summarized to clarify the notion of PPES and its diagnostic algorithm.