Acute pulmonary embolism (2025) – online course
Description
Authors: A.M. Ierardi & M. Krokidis
Reviewers: G. Eldem, M. Das, A. H. Mahnken, R. Loffroy & R. Uberoi.
This course corresponds to chapter 2.2.1.3.2 Pulmonary thromboembolic disease in the European Curriculum and Syllabus for Interventional Radiology.
Abstract
Venous thromboembolic disease (VTE) has a rather high prevalence in the general population, with an estimated 1-2 cases per 1000 individuals every year. The clinical presentation may be limited to the lower limbs as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), or it may involve the pulmonary circulation as pulmonary embolism. In some instances, both conditions may occur simultaneously [1], [2], [3]. VTE is associated with high mortality rates, exceeding 100,000 cases per year [4]. The main therapeutic approach is anticoagulation; however, it may not be effective in all cases, particularly when immediate revascularization is required. Imaging, particularly echocardiography and contrast-enhanced CT (CECT), are fundamental for diagnosis. Furthermore, post-thrombotic syndrome may occur in case of incomplete thrombus resolution [1], [5]. In recent years, endovascular techniques have been developed to provide an alternative solution for acute and life-threatening pulmonary embolism and to address issues of incomplete treatment for less severe cases [6], [7]. This course will offer an overview of the anatomy and the pathophysiology of acute pulmonary embolism, describe the indications, contraindications, and techniques of endovascular treatment, and discuss expected treatment outcomes.
Learning objectives
- Familiarize with the anatomy of the pulmonary circulation
- Recognize the pathophysiology of pulmonary thromboembolic disease
- Delineate the indications and contraindications of endovascular revascularization in pulmonary embolism
- Understand the difference between the various types of endovascular tools used for treating acute pulmonary embolism
- Get briefed on the use of drug drugs related to pulmonary mechanical thrombectomy
- Familiarize with the use of post-procedural care of patients that undergo mechanical thrombectomy of pulmonary arteries and for the assessment of the outcomes
Further information
This course covers a basic level of IR knowledge and is designed for trainees, students or young consultants aiming to acquire essential knowledge or prepare for the EBIR exam. Thereby, it is tailored to the European Curriculum and Syllabus for Interventional Radiology and corresponds to chapter 2.2.1.3.2 Pulmonary thromboembolic disease.
The format of the course is interactive and easy to use, including texts, graphics, videos and a quiz to support your learning. The course duration is around one hour and is accredited by the European Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (EACCME) to award 1.5 European CME credit (ECMEC). The CME accreditation for this course will expire on February 11, 2027. A non-CME accredited version of the course will remain available for two more years.
The acquired CME Certificate will be available in the myCIRSE area under CIRSE Academy.
The enrolment period of this course is linked to the validity of the All-Access Pass.
Release date: February 2025
