Pathophysiology and Risk Factors Associated with Acute Pulmonary Embolism: A Case
Study
Leslie Zellers
Walden University
Advanced Pathophysiology
Dr. Rutherford
12/15/2025
, Introduction
Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a potentially life-threatening condition that results from
obstruction of the pulmonary arterial system, most commonly by a thrombus originating in the
deep veins of the lower extremities. Prompt recognition is critical due to the risk of acute
hypoxia, hemodynamic compromise, and death. This case study examines a 48-year-old female
presenting with acute shortness of breath and pleuritic chest pain. The patient’s clinical
presentation, medical history, and lifestyle factors strongly suggest an acute pulmonary
embolism. This paper discusses the underlying pathophysiological processes, the role of genetic
mutations, racial and ethnic considerations, and contributing risk factors relevant to this patient.
Pathophysiological Processes and Symptom Development
Pulmonary embolism typically occurs when a thrombus formed in the deep venous
system dislodges and travels to the pulmonary circulation, resulting in partial or complete
obstruction of pulmonary arteries. In this patient, the presence of unilateral calf swelling suggests
deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which is the most common precursor to PE (McCance & Huether,
2023). Obstruction of pulmonary blood flow leads to impaired gas exchange, increased
pulmonary vascular resistance, and ventilation-perfusion mismatch, resulting in hypoxemia and
dyspnea.
The patient’s sudden onset of shortness of breath, pleuritic chest pain, tachycardia, and
hypoxia are classic manifestations of PE. Pleuritic chest pain occurs due to inflammation of the
pleura adjacent to the embolized lung tissue. Tachycardia and tachypnea represent compensatory
responses to hypoxia and reduced cardiac output. Hypotension, as seen in this patient, may
Study
Leslie Zellers
Walden University
Advanced Pathophysiology
Dr. Rutherford
12/15/2025
, Introduction
Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a potentially life-threatening condition that results from
obstruction of the pulmonary arterial system, most commonly by a thrombus originating in the
deep veins of the lower extremities. Prompt recognition is critical due to the risk of acute
hypoxia, hemodynamic compromise, and death. This case study examines a 48-year-old female
presenting with acute shortness of breath and pleuritic chest pain. The patient’s clinical
presentation, medical history, and lifestyle factors strongly suggest an acute pulmonary
embolism. This paper discusses the underlying pathophysiological processes, the role of genetic
mutations, racial and ethnic considerations, and contributing risk factors relevant to this patient.
Pathophysiological Processes and Symptom Development
Pulmonary embolism typically occurs when a thrombus formed in the deep venous
system dislodges and travels to the pulmonary circulation, resulting in partial or complete
obstruction of pulmonary arteries. In this patient, the presence of unilateral calf swelling suggests
deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which is the most common precursor to PE (McCance & Huether,
2023). Obstruction of pulmonary blood flow leads to impaired gas exchange, increased
pulmonary vascular resistance, and ventilation-perfusion mismatch, resulting in hypoxemia and
dyspnea.
The patient’s sudden onset of shortness of breath, pleuritic chest pain, tachycardia, and
hypoxia are classic manifestations of PE. Pleuritic chest pain occurs due to inflammation of the
pleura adjacent to the embolized lung tissue. Tachycardia and tachypnea represent compensatory
responses to hypoxia and reduced cardiac output. Hypotension, as seen in this patient, may
