Post-Traumatic Pulmonary Embolisms Can Be Life-Threatening

Pulmonary embolisms (PE) are a type of life-threatening blood clot and are often fatal if left untreated. They can be caused by viral infections (such as COVID-19), genetics, medications, lifestyle factors, and blunt force trauma to the body. One of the most common ways the human body experiences blunt force trauma is in a car accident. Pulmonary embolisms can happen to anyone, anywhere, anytime.

What is a pulmonary embolism?

A pulmonary embolism occurs when a blood clot blocks an arterial passage in the lung. According to the Mayo Clinic, these clots typically originate from the legs, and patients may have multiple clots in their body at one time.

A post-traumatic pulmonary embolism is “an acute respiratory disorder caused by the occlusion of the pulmonary arterial bed, leading to a life-threatening condition.” They are the third most common cause of death in trauma patients and generally occur five to seven days after the traumatic event. Early diagnosis is crucial, as they have a high mortality rate: close to 50% if left untreated or misdiagnosed.

Types of traumatic events that can lead to a pulmonary embolism

Car accidents can inflict serious trauma to the human body, which is not always visible to the naked eye. However, pulmonary embolisms are not just limited to trauma resulting from car accidents. They can happen after falls, workplace injuries, other undiagnosed illnesses (such as blood coagulation disorder), or physical assault. Trauma to the legs and chest can cause a delayed pulmonary embolism as well.

Recognizing the signs of a pulmonary embolism

Some of the telltale signs and symptoms of a pulmonary embolism include:

• Chest pain (usually on one side, worse when lying down)
• Difficulty breathing
• Loss of appetite
• Shortness of breath
• Heart palpitations

Pulmonary embolisms can be difficult to diagnose regardless of symptoms, especially if the patient already has an existing history of heart and/or lung problems. In this case, a doctor would likely review the individual’s medical history and dig a little deeper.

The most common ways to diagnose a pulmonary embolism include:

• MRI – A magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI test, shows the soft tissues of the body and can identify a pulmonary embolism anywhere in the body.
• A blood test/panel – A D-dimer test can be ordered by a doctor to diagnose a blood clot. This test checks for a protein in the blood that breaks down clots. This reading can be elevated for other reasons, however, so it is not always determinative by itself.
• Ultrasounds – These can pinpoint a pulmonary embolism depending on the location but are more commonly used in areas like the leg or neck rather than the chest.

Overall, pulmonary embolisms can be difficult to immediately diagnose. For example, chest pain is often mistaken for pneumonia by healthcare professionals. Your blood pressure, oxygen saturation rate, and other vital signs may also be normal at first glance. It’s always important to communicate all symptoms thoroughly to a qualified healthcare professional.

Medical treatment for a pulmonary embolism

Blood thinners are the most common treatment for a pulmonary embolism or blood clot. Depending on the severity of the condition, they may be prescribed in three-to-six-month tapered doses. They are also sometimes referred to as anticoagulants. However, these drugs carry a risk of side effects such as bleeding issues due to the body’s suppressed coagulation abilities. A doctor can advise you of these risks when prescribing the medication.

Surgical intervention is another option for more serious blood clots. This procedure, known as a thrombectomy, is usually only used in rare circumstances. Long hospital stays are rare when it comes to a pulmonary embolism unless there are other health complications. Often, you will be monitored overnight and discharged with medication and a comprehensive treatment plan.

If you suffered blunt force trauma to the legs or torso in a workplace accident or car wreck, you may be at risk of a pulmonary embolism. This can mean a mountain of medical bills. If you’ve been hurt through no fault of your own, you are entitled to seek compensation. Claggett & Sykes can help you obtain compensation for losses after an accident in Nevada. Our Reno catastrophic injury attorneys have decades of personal injury experience. Please call us or fill out our contact form for a free consultation. We also maintain an office in Las Vegas for your convenience.