A pulmonary embolism (PE) is a life-threatening condition that occurs when a blood clot blocks one or more arteries in the lungs. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical to preventing severe complications or death. However, when doctors fail to diagnose a pulmonary embolism, the consequences can be devastating for patients and their families.
If you or a loved one has suffered due to a misdiagnosed or undiagnosed pulmonary embolism, you may have legal options. Call Julie A. Rice, Attorney at Law, & Affiliates today at (770) 865-8654 or complete our online form for a free consultation.
Understanding Pulmonary Embolism and Its Risks
A pulmonary embolism typically results from a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) – a blood clot that forms in the deep veins of the legs and travels to the lungs. Several factors increase the risk of developing a PE, including:
- Prolonged immobility (e.g., long flights, hospital stays)
- Surgery or trauma
- Smoking
- Pregnancy and the postpartum period
- Cancer
- Certain genetic blood clotting disorders
Symptoms of a pulmonary embolism can vary but often include:
- Sudden shortness of breath
- Sharp chest pain, especially when breathing deeply
- Coughing up blood
- Rapid heart rate
- Dizziness or fainting
Because these symptoms can resemble other medical conditions, including pneumonia, anxiety, or heart attacks, doctors must act quickly to rule out a pulmonary embolism. Failure to do so can result in catastrophic consequences.
How Pulmonary Embolism is Diagnosed
To diagnose a pulmonary embolism, doctors should conduct a thorough medical evaluation and consider the following tests:
- D-dimer blood test: Measures a substance in the blood that increases with clot formation.
- Computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA): A specialized CT scan that detects clots in the lungs.
- Ventilation-perfusion (V/Q) scan: A test that assesses airflow and blood flow in the lungs.
- Ultrasound of the legs: Checks for deep vein thrombosis, a major cause of PE.
When doctors fail to order these tests, dismiss symptoms, or misinterpret imaging results, they risk missing a diagnosis that could save a patient’s life.
Consequences of a Missed or Delayed Pulmonary Embolism Diagnosis
A failure to diagnose pulmonary embolism can have severe, even fatal, consequences. Delayed treatment can result in:
- Cardiac arrest and sudden death are due to a lack of oxygen to the heart.
- Permanent lung damage from reduced blood flow.
- Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH), which is a condition that causes long-term high blood pressure in the lungs.
- Ongoing blood clot risks that require lifelong treatment.
Patients who survive a misdiagnosed pulmonary embolism often endure extended hospital stays, long-term medication use, and reduced quality of life.
Is Failure to Diagnose PE Considered Medical Malpractice?
In Georgia, medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider fails to meet the standard of care, resulting in harm to the patient. A missed pulmonary embolism diagnosis may be considered malpractice if:
- The doctor failed to recognize PE symptoms or order necessary tests.
- There was a delay in diagnosis that led to complications or death.
- The patient suffered harm due to this negligence.
Proving medical malpractice requires strong evidence, including medical records, expert testimony, and proof that another doctor in the same situation would have diagnosed and treated the PE correctly.
Seeking Justice for Medical Negligence in Georgia
If you or a loved one has suffered because a doctor failed to diagnose pulmonary embolism, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. At Julie A. Rice, Attorney at Law, & Affiliates, we fight for victims of medical negligence. Call us now at (770) 865-8654 or fill out our online form to schedule a free consultation.