High Prevalence of Persistent Breathlessness Following Sub-Massive Pulmonary Embolism in Patients Presenting to a Large Regional Hospital in South Wales.

Many patients remain breathless following large volume PE particularly if there is evidence of Right ventricular strain at presentation. The pathophysiology is unclear but lung function testing is consistent with persisting damage to the pulmonary vascular bed. These findings may allow clinicians to better advise patients of expected outcomes following major pulmonary embolus and may avoid unnecessary further investigation.