A68

HEART & LUNG - Pulmonary embolism

Description
This specimen shows the heart and lungs, dissected to display almost complete occlusion of the pulmonary artery by antemortum thrombus. There are no infarctions visible in the lungs.
History
This man was admitted to hospital at the age of 50 with a compound fracture of the left tiba and fibula occurring when, as a pedestrian, he was hit by a motor-bike. Approximately three weeks after admission he developed right calf pain but without swelling of the leg. There is no record in the notes of any treatment for the pain. Some 14 days later while exercising, he suddenly became unconscious and was cardiac arrest. Resuscitation attempts were unsuccessful.