Pulmonary Emboli

A Factor in the Etiology and Pathogenesis of Pulmonary Emphysema

¹ Baltimore, Maryland

Pulmonary embolism occurs in from 1.5 to 25 per cent of routine necropsies and it is often found in the absence of a history of venous thrombosis. Pulmonary embolism is difficult to diagnose accurately without necropsy or operative evidence of emboli. It appears that death may occur suddenly, slowly, or not until repeated episodes of embolism occur and then death may be in part the result of pre-existing disease. There may be complete recovery after pulmonary emboli without demonstrable evidence of sequela. Many conditions may develop between death and complete recovery. The clinical course and pathogenesis of pulmonary emphysema are influenced by pulmonary emboli. Pulmonary emboli may be the cause of localized, lobar, or unilateral pulmonary emphysema. Pulmonary emboli may also be the cause of bullæ in generalized pulmonary emphysema.