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INTRODUCTION: Pulmonary embolism is a common cause of cardiopulmonary mortality and morbidity worldwide. Survivors of acute pulmonary embolism may experience dyspnea, report reduced exercise capacity, or develop overt pulmonary hypertension. Clinicians must be alert for these phenomena and appreciate the modalities and investigations available for evaluation.AREAS COVERED: In this review, the current understanding of available contemporary imaging and physiologic modalities is discussed, based on available literature and professional society guidelines. The purpose of the review is to provide clinicians with an overview of these modalities, their strengths and disadvantages, and how and when these investigations can support the clinical work-up of patients post-pulmonary embolism.EXPERT OPINION: Echocardiography is a first test in symptomatic patients post-pulmonary embolism, with ventilation/perfusion scanning vital to determination of whether there is chronic residual emboli. The role of computed tomography and magnetic resonance in assessing the pulmonary arterial tree in post-pulmonary embolism patients is evolving. Functional testing, in particular cardiopulmonary exercise testing, is emerging as an important modality to quantify and determine cause of functional limitation. It is possible that future investigations of the post-pulmonary embolism recovery period will better inform treatment decisions for acute pulmonary embolism patients.

The American Thoracic Society Core Curriculum updates clinicians annually in adult and pediatric pulmonary disease, medical critical care, and sleep medicine in a 3- to 4-year recurring cycle of topics. The topics of the 2020 Pulmonary Core Curriculum include pulmonary vascular disease (submassive pulmonary embolism, chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension, and pulmonary hypertension) and pulmonary infections (community-acquired pneumonia, pulmonary nontuberculous mycobacteria, opportunistic infections in immunocompromised hosts, and coronavirus disease [COVID-19]).

Purpose Evaluate the association between chronic right ventricle (RV) dysfunction by transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) and outcomes in patients with acute pulmonary embolism (PE). Methods This was a retrospective analysis of TTE findings in acute PEs. TTEs were used to classify the presence of chronic right ventricular pressure overload (RPVO), defined as RV hypertrophy or RV systolic pressure (RVSP) >50 mmHg, acute RVPO, defined as RV dysfunction not meeting the chronic RVPO definition, or no RV dysfunction. The primary outcome was a composite of death or need for advanced PE therapies at 7 days. Results Of 466 patients, 288 had evidence of RV dysfunction. Thirty percent (140) had evidence of chronic RVPO and 148 patients had evidence of acute RVPO. Chronic RVPO patients were older (P = .004), more likely to have COPD, and had lower heart rates and troponin-t values. The acute RVPO patients included more women and were less likely to have a prior PE. There was no difference in outcomes between the acute and chronic RVPO cohorts. Conclusions Chronic RVPO patients had lower heart rates and troponin-t values. Despite these differences there were no differences in need for advanced therapeutic interventions or 7 day mortality.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW Acute pulmonary embolism is a life-threatening condition that can lead to both acute and long-term morbidity and mortality. Patients with acute pulmonary embolism are at risk for significant complications including the development of chronic pulmonary embolism and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. This review will describe the rationale for and structure of pulmonary embolism response teams, with a focus on the recognition and treatment of patients with persistent morbidity following pulmonary embolism. RECENT FINDINGS For patients with intermediate and high-risk pulmonary embolism, a myriad of treatment options exist, ranging from anticoagulation alone to surgical embolectomy and hemodynamic support with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Optimizing treatment for these patients requires rapid assessment and multidisciplinary cooperation. Over the last five years, the pulmonary embolism response team has emerged as a mechanism to facilitate this care. SUMMARY Pulmonary embolism response teams can streamline and expedite care for patients with intermediate and high-risk pulmonary embolism. However, the care for patients with acute pulmonary embolism does not end at hospital discharge. It is essential to ensure adequate follow-up and identify patients with persistent symptoms and impaired quality of life, particularly those who may have symptomatic chronic pulmonary embolism or chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension.

Background Pulmonary thromboendarterectomy (PTE) is an effective treatment for chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH), but is a technically challenging operation for cardiothoracic surgeons. Starting a new program allows an opportunity to define a learning curve for PTE. Methods A retrospective case review was performed of 134 consecutive PTEs performed from 1998 to 2016 at a single institution. Outcomes were compared using either a two-tailed t-test for continuous variables or a chi-squared test for categorical variables according to experience of the program by terciles (T). Results The 30-day mortality was 3.7%. The mean length of hospital stay, length of ICU stay, and duration on a ventilator were 12.6 days, 4.6 days, and 2.0 days, respectively. The mean decrease in systolic pulmonary artery pressure (sPAP) was 41.3 mmHg. Patients with Jamieson type 2 disease had a greater change in mean sPAP than those with type 3 disease (p = 0.039). The mean cardiopulmonary bypass time was 180 min (T1–198 min, T3–159 min, p =

Pulmonary embolism is a common and often life-threatening event. Treatment options include anticoagulation alone, catheter-directed therapies, and surgical thromboembolectomy. While guidelines exist, there is often controversy over which treatment is most appropriate, particularly for intermediate-risk patients. The traditional care model, in which the primary team is responsible for consulting the appropriate specialists, may be inadequate and inefficient for emergent situations, as ensuring coordination and communication between various consulting services can be a time consuming and confusing process. The Pulmonary Embolism Response Team (PERT) model was developed to improve the quality and efficiency of care for patient with intermediate- and high-risk pulmonary embolism. Activation of the PERT allows for rapid, multidisciplinary discussion among dedicated specialists, which typically includes members of the cardiology, emergency medicine, hematology, pulmonary/critical care, and surgical services. While the majority of patients are still treated with anticoagulation alone, in the event that a more invasive approach is deemed necessary, the team expedites this process. Over the last several years, the PERT model has been adopted at more than 75 health care institutions and may represent a new standard of care.

The original version of the article unfortunately contained an error in conflict of interest. This erratum is published with the correct conflict of interest.

Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) occurs when a pulmonary embolism fails to undergo complete thrombolysis leading to vascular occlusion and pulmonary hypertension. Despite the fact that CTEPH is a potential consequence of pulmonary embolism, diagnosis requires a high degree of vigilance as many patients will not have a history of thromboembolic disease. The ventilation perfusion scan is used to evaluate for the possibility of CTEPH although right heart catheterization and pulmonary artery angiogram are needed to confirm the diagnosis. Pulmonary thromboendarterectomy is the first-line treatment for patients who are surgical candidates. Recently, riociguat has been approved for patients with nonsurgical disease or residual pulmonary hypertension despite surgical intervention. This review describes the pathophysiology, risk factors, diagnosis, and management of CTEPH.