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[[File:Ct lungenembolie.0001.jpg|400px|thumb|right]]
A '''pulmonary embolism''' (also known as '''pulmonary embolus''', '''PE''', or '''P-damn-E''') is an obstruction of the one of the pulmonary arteries (or its branches ) by material (thrombus, air, cement, or sandwich) originating from elsewhere in the body. It is a form of venous thromboembolism.
'''Methods of Classifications'''
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'''Timing''' - Based on the temporal development of the , '''PE''':#Chronic - can be characterized as chronic ("F**k!#Subacute - "), subacute ("Holy sh*t!#Acute - "), or acute ("M**THERF**KER!!).
'''Hemodynamics''' - '''PE''' can be further classified by the presence of hemodynamic stability and R heart strain:#Low risk - PE is present ("Darn!"), hemodynamically stable ("Woohoo!"), no right heart strain ("Score!")
#Intermediate risk - PE present ("Darn!"), hemodynamically stable ("Woohoo!"), right heart strain ("Dagnabbit!")
#High Risk - PE present ("Darn!"), hemodynamically unstable ("Nooooo!!!)
'''Location''' - #Saddle - Took Classification can also be based on location: saddle (embolus took place while you were on horseback#Lobar - Not riding a horse), lobar (not sure what that means#Segmental - Woah), segmental (woah...#Subsegmental - Them), and subsegmental (them's fancy radiology words!)
'''Symptoms''' - #Symptomatic - Lastly, '''PE''' can be classified on whether the patient is symptomatic ("We know why you're short of breath"#Asymptomatic - ) or asymptomatic ("When we scanned your big toe, we did manage to catch a PE in your chest...")
'''EpidemiEpidemiology'''----Yes, it happens. '''Pathophysiology'''----Two words: Virchow's triad. Need we saw more? '''Risk Factors'''----In the general population, there are several well-documented risk factors for the development of '''PE''': genetic risk factors like factor V Leiden and acquired risk factors like cancer, recent surgery, active cancer, and recent hormone therapy. There is one major risk factor that is specific to health care professionals and the development of '''PE''': sitting at the computer for more than 90% of each work day. For this reason, it is recommended that health care professionals receive heparin prophylaxis while on service.
[[Category:Emergency Medicine]]