Peculiarities of pulmonary thromboembolism in atrial fibrillation

Aim: The aim of the study was to elucidate the peculiarities of pulmonary thromboembolism among patients with atrial fibrillation who died in hospitals in Tomsk during the period from 2013 to 2015 and to conduct clinical and pathological comparison in regard to the analysis of embolic sources. Materials and Methods: The records of autopsies and medical records of 134 patients aged 18 years and older diagnosed in vivo and/or post mortem with pulmonary embolism who died in the hospitals of the city of Tomsk during the period from January 01, 2013 to December 31, 2015. Results. Cardiovascular diseases which occurred in 86.5% represented the leading pathology in patients with pulmonary embolism. According to autopsy reports, pulmonary embolism was the main cause of death in 63.4% of cases. Thrombi in the right heart were found in 29% of patients: 21.6% in the right atrial appendage and 7.4% in atria and ventricles (mural thrombi). In the entire group, atrial fibrillation was found in 48 (33.5%) of patients. Thrombi in the right heart were found in 54.1% of patients with atrial fibrillation.