Pulmonary embolism and pneumonia may be confounded after acute stroke and may co-exist

TY - JOUR

T1 - Pulmonary embolism and pneumonia may be confounded after acute stroke and may co-exist

AU - Kelly, J

AU - Hunt, B J

AU - Rudd, A

AU - Lewis, R R

PY - 2002

Y1 - 2002

N2 - Pulmonary embolism and pneumonia are prevalent complications after acute stroke that overlap significantly in their timing, risk factors and clinical features. Consequently, confounding and co-existence of these diagnoses can occur and is probably commoner than is generally appreciated. Correct identification of pulmonary embolism in these patients is important as the mortality of this condition following stroke is higher than in unselected patients. Clinicians should have a low threshold for suspicion of, and objective testing for, pulmonary embolism in stroke patients with acute cardiorespiratory symptoms, even if an alternative diagnosis is evident.

AB - Pulmonary embolism and pneumonia are prevalent complications after acute stroke that overlap significantly in their timing, risk factors and clinical features. Consequently, confounding and co-existence of these diagnoses can occur and is probably commoner than is generally appreciated. Correct identification of pulmonary embolism in these patients is important as the mortality of this condition following stroke is higher than in unselected patients. Clinicians should have a low threshold for suspicion of, and objective testing for, pulmonary embolism in stroke patients with acute cardiorespiratory symptoms, even if an alternative diagnosis is evident.

M3 - Literature review

VL - 31

SP - 235

EP - 239

JO - Age and Ageing

JF - Age and Ageing

IS - 4

ER -