Update on the diagnosis and management of pulmonary embolism.

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a common and often fatal disease. In the US, an estimated 40–53 people per 100 000 are diagnosed with PE annually and approximately 60 000 die from the disease. Diagnosis is difficult because symptoms are non-specific; however, a quick and accurate diagnosis is critical because, with appropriate therapy, the risk of recurrent (and potentially fatal) PE can be greatly reduced. Recent publication of prediction rules and improved non-invasive diagnostic tools have simplified diagnostic algorithms for PE. The efficacy of the standard treatment for PE, initial administration of continuous i.v. unfractionated heparin overlapped with long-term oral anticoagulation, is well established. However, newer treatment options such as low-molecular-weight heparins and the pentasaccharides may offer similar efficacy with improved convenience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]