Term: Pulmonary Embolism (PE)

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Glossary Definition

Last Updated: 2006-07-20

Definition:

A pulmonary embolism is a blockage of an artery in the lungs by fat, air, clumped tumor cells, or a blood clot. The most common cause of a pulmonary embolism is a blood clot in the veins of the legs, called a deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Many PE clear up on their own, though some may cause severe illness or even death.

Related terms 

• Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
• Post-operative Thromboembolism

References 

• Bruce S, Prior H, Katz A, Taylor M, Latosinsky S, Martens P, De Coster C, Brownell M, Soodeen R, Steinbach C. Application of Patient Safety Indicators in Manitoba: A First Look. Winnipeg, MB: Manitoba Centre for Health Policy, 2006. [Report] [Summary] (View)