Spontaneous fibrinolysis in pulmonary embolism

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Abstract

This study correlated levels of activated fibrinolysis with the presence, extent, and rate of resolution of angiographically documented pulmonary emboli. Pulmonary emboli demonstrable by angiography were associated with detectable fibrin split products in the serum of 24 of 25 patients. In the absence of increased fibrin split products, pulmonary emboli large enough to be demonstrated by angiography were found in only 2 of 25 positive pulmonary angiograms. Spontaneous resolution of pulmonary emboli could not be correlated with the the concentration or persistence of fibrin split products but did correlate well with the presence of a reversible precipitating cause.

Authors

James E. Wilson III, Eugene P. Frenkel, Alan K. Pierce, Robert L. Johnson Jr., Edward R. Winga, George C. Curry, Donald S. Mierzwiak