Arquivos brasileiros de cardiologia
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Arq. Bras. Cardiol. · Apr 1997
Case Reports[Value of transthoracic Doppler echocardiography in the diagnosis and management of massive pulmonary embolism].
We report the case of a 62-year-old man with massive pulmonary embolism and severe hemodynamic impairment. Transthoracic Doppler echocardiography was fundamental in confirming the diagnosis by direct visualization of intra-atrial thrombus and signs of right chamber overload. It allowed prompt administration of thrombolytic drug and follow-up monitoring. Doppler echocardiography is a non-invasive, available technique and its early application should be considered in the evaluation of patients with suspected massive pulmonary embolism.