[Pulmonary thromboembolism].

Abstract

Thromboembolism used to be a rare disease in Japan, however, more frequent occurrence and mortality was reported in recent periods. This is considered to relate with the rapid change of food intake, so called food westernization. The authors herein described the etiology and its countermeasures against acute and chronic pulmonary thromboembolism. Formation of thrombus relates with congestion, damage of venous vessels and change of blood component. Pulmonary thromboembolism during airflight, so called "economy syndrome" occurs due to the formation of thrombus at the large veins of lower extremities. Anti-coagulant treatment was applied first, and then surgical intervention was performed in acute phase. Pulmonary thromboembolectomy for chronic pulmonary thromboembolism is one of the most difficult techniques in thoracic surgery. Careful and cautious dissection between fibrous intima of the thrombus and media of the vein is needed. In conclusion, urgent and appropriate medical and surgical treatment is crucial to rescue the life of patients suffered from pulmonary thromboembolism.