Quantitative assessment of the relative effects of patient and pulmonary embolism-related factors on longer-term mortality after pulmonary embolism

This observational study used a large audit dataset to examine the relative effects of patient-related factors and those related to the pulmonary embolism (PE) on longer-term mortality after PE. We identified that longer-term mortality is higher in provoked compared to unprovoked PE and that, in this group, obesity is relatively protective. Simplified PE severity index (sPESI), known to link to short term mortality, remains predictive in the longer-term and there is no relationship of mortality to right heart strain or extent of clot. Interestingly mortality is higher in those with negative CTPA scans than those with PE. These clinically important results should encourage careful, holistic clinical assessment of patients in these groups prior to discharge to look for treatable comorbidities.