Abstract
Pulmonary embolism (PE) is common, with an incidence of 39–115 per 100 000 population. In 6 European countries (population 454.4 million) PE caused an estimated 370 000 deaths in 2004. Thirty four percent died early, either before therapy could be initiated or before it could take effect. Among the 41% diagnosed pre-mortem, 15% deteriorated with hemodynamic collapse and 10% died suddenly. Even among those given recommended therapy, 7%–8% died early. There is a need for improved risk stratification to guide any escalation beyond standard anticoagulant management to thrombolytic pharmacotherapy or trans-vascular/surgical thrombus disruption/removal.