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Syncope Induced by Acute Pulmonary Embolism in Aged Patients: A Report of Four Cases

Year: 2012

Type: article

Abstract: Syncope is a common presentation in the neurology clinic and emergency room. However, pulmonary embolism (PE) as a cause of syncope is not common or well recognized. Four aged patients presented to our clinic with episodic syncope, and PE was finally identified as the underlying cause. The significant clinical presentations included transient loss of consciousness and hypoxemia on admission. Syncope with hypoxia should therefore be highlighted as an important clue to the diagnosis of PE in aged patients. A negative D-dimer test will be encountered in patients with a very short history. Repeated D-dimer testing is necessary.

Source: Internal Medicine

DOI: 10.2169/internalmedicine.51.8137

Authors: Ping Xia, Xiang-yang Gong, Jin Wang

Institutions: Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University

Language: English

Topic: Venous Thromboembolism Diagnosis and Management

Subfield: Internal Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: bronze

Funder: Science and Technology Department of Zhejiang Province