1. Diagnosis and Treatment of Pulmonary Embolism During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic
- Author
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Rosovsky, Rachel P., Grodzin, Charles, Channick, Richard, Davis, George A., Giri, Jay S., Horowitz, James, Kabrhel, Christopher, Lookstein, Robert, Merli, Geno, Morris, Timothy A., Rivera-Lebron, Belinda, Tapson, Victor, Todoran, Thomas M., Weinberg, Aaron S., and Rosenfield, Kenneth
- Abstract
The coexistence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and pulmonary embolism (PE), two life-threatening illnesses, in the same patient presents a unique challenge. Guidelines have delineated how best to diagnose and manage patients with PE. However, the unique aspects of COVID-19 confound both the diagnosis and treatment of PE, and therefore require modification of established algorithms. Important considerations include adjustment of diagnostic modalities, incorporation of the prothrombotic contribution of COVID-19, management of two critical cardiorespiratory illnesses in the same patient, and protecting patients and health-care workers while providing optimal care. The benefits of a team-based approach for decision-making and coordination of care, such as that offered by pulmonary embolism response teams (PERTs), have become more evident in this crisis. The importance of careful follow-up care also is underscored for patients with these two diseases with long-term effects. This position paper from the PERT Consortium specifically addresses issues related to the diagnosis and management of PE in patients with COVID-19.
- Published
- 2020
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