Embolie pulmonaire: Indications de la thrombolyse

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a common clinical entity, which may lead to long term disability or death. For more than three decades, many studies have tried to assess the role of thrombolytics in the management of PE. Quicker lysis of emboli by thrombolytics has been well established. However, the impact of thrombolysis on mortality is still controversial. Based on recent studies, it appears that patients with massive PE associated with right ventricular dysfunction should benefit from such a treatment. When overt shock develops with PE, the indication of thrombolysis is largely accepted. We review here our current knowledge regarding the use of thrombolytics for patients with PE.