Peripheral pulmonary embolism: Travels to the lung, producing breathlessness and Pleurisy. This condition can occur due to placement of central (sometimes peripheral) venous lines, chest or abdomen insufflation, or head and neck surgery.
Massive Central pulmonary embolism: Lodges in a pulmonary artery, and prevents blood from leaving the right side of the heart. As a consequence, there is a significant reduction in cardiac output, resulting in hypotensive collapse and death. CPR may break up the embolus, and thrombolytic drugs, such as Streptokinase or rt-PA, help to dissolve it. To prevent a recurrence, Heparin and Warfarin should be given.