Pulmonary embolism

Pulmonary embolism refers to a group of diseases in which the large blood vessels or branches of the lungs are blocked by various emboli. The most common emboli are thrombi from the venous system or the right heart system. In a few cases, pulmonary embolism may be caused by other substances, such as tumor emboli, gas, fat, or amniotic fluid. The most common symptoms of pulmonary embolism include sudden shortness of breath, sharp chest pain, coughing, and hemoptysis. In severe cases, it can be life-threatening.