A pulmonary embolism (“PE”) can be a very serious misdiagnosed medical condition.
Because of this, doctors must pay close attention to a patient’s complaints when a patient presents to the emergency room or doctor’s office.
A PE can be classified as a sudden clot blockage in the lungs, with a patient complaining of shortness of breath, chest pain, and a cough.
Because of these types of complaints, doctors can over-look the PE and diagnose the patient with an asthma attack, bronchitis, or pneumonia.
In some cases, doctors can conclude and settle on a diagnosis of heart attack.
However, if a doctor does suspect that the patient may be suffering from a PE, a CT scan or other test of the chest area can be performed.
If evidence of deep vein thrombosis is present, and doctors conclude that a PE is the diagnosis, clot busting medications and treatments can be administered to the patient.
When the PE is missed, and if the clot is big enough, it can cause serious issue in not only the lungs, but also the heart.
Because of the buildup of pressure in the lungs, the heart has to work harder.
This can lead to eventual damage and even possible failure of the heart and lungs.
If you or your loved one has suffered a serious medical injury such as heart or lung failure as a result of a misdiagnosed pulmonary embolism, and this happened in Maryland, this is what we invite you to do.
Pick up the phone and give us a call.
We can be reached at 301-850-4832. We answer Maryland medical malpractice questions like yours all the time and we would be glad to listen to your story.
