We appreciate your interest in our summer issue of the Methodist DeBakey Cardiovascular Journal. While two of our past issues have explored the topic of pulmonary hypertension, this is the first one entirely devoted to pulmonary embolism. Here, we consider the recent recommendations and approaches to managing pulmonary embolism and consider forthcoming developments for improving care and outcomes in the decade ahead.
Pulmonary embolism is now the third-leading cause of cardiovascular death globally, following heart attack and stroke. We are seeing some encouraging improvements, mainly due to new approaches for rapid diagnosis using artificial intelligence, decision-making algorithms, and pulmonary embolism response teams. However, despite improvements in traditional treatments and newer interventional approaches, more clinical studies and clearer guidelines are needed. Fortunately, several clinical studies are underway that may lead to more informed treatment choices and clearer guideline recommendations.
As we explore the newest developments in this space, I extend my sincerest thanks to our authors—who share their research, insights, and expertise—and especially to our guest editors for this issue, Thomas M. Loh, MD, and Alan B. Lumsden, MD.
Read the articles in the issue and find many more learning resources in our Special Collections, featuring case reports, interactive CME cases, and other articles offering CME credit. I encourage you to submit case reports and share your insights on social media by using #DeBakeyCVjournal at @debakeyCVedu. If you haven’t already signed up to receive our publication reminders, be sure to subscribe now.
Miguel A. Quiñones, MD, MACC, FASE
Editor-in-Chief
Methodist DeBakey Cardiovascular Journal
Winters Family Distinguished Centennial Chair
in Cardiovascular Education, Houston Methodist DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center