[Thromboembolism of the lung and lower extremities in patients with chronic global congestive heart failure].

The results of a prospective study on the incidence of pulmonary thromboembolism and deep leg veins phlebitis in patients with congestive heart failure are presented. Pulmonary thromboembolism was diagnosed by means of pulmonary isotopic scanning and angiography; deep leg veins were studied using conventional and isotopic phlebography. A total incident of 60% for pulmonary thromboembolism and 92% for deep leg veins phlebitis was found, being of little significance the results suggested by clinical signs. ECG, chest X rays and laboratory tests such as arterial PO2, transaminase and lactic dehidrogenases. Among patients with pulmonary thromboembolism, the hospitalization periods were longer and more frequent, the incidence of deep leg veins phlebitis was 100%, mortality was slightly higher and the degree of hemodynamic derrangement was more advanced in patients without pulmonary thromboembolism. The rutinary use of pulmonary scanning and isotopic phlebography for detection of these complications in patients with congestive heart failure is recommended, emphasizing the need for prophylactic anticoagulant treatment in most of these patients.