Haemodynamics, fluids & transfusion
Acute pulmonary embolism: clinical and echocardiographic recognition of normotensive shock
Authors' conclusion
Early recognition may identify patients at imminent risk of deterioration who could benefit from timely treatment escalation, including consideration of reperfusion therapy.
Study context
- Population
- Patients with acute pulmonary embolism and normotensive shock
- Outcome
- Recognition of normotensive shock in acute PE
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
- Shock assessment should integrate concordant clinical signs of tissue hypoperfusion rather than rely on a single marker
- Prolonged capillary refill time and skin mottling may complement lactate as bedside markers of abnormal skin perfusion
- Critical care echocardiography confirms acute RV pressure overload, excludes alternative causes of circulatory failure, and assesses RV adaptation and RV-pulmonary arterial coupling
Original publication
Acute pulmonary embolism: clinical and echocardiographic recognition of normotensive shock. Crit Care. Published 25 July 2026. doi:10.
Composed by AI from the published abstract and checked against it. How Briefs are made →