A pulmonary embolism (PE) occurs when a blood clot gets stuck in an artery in the lung, blocking blood flow to part of the lung. Blood clots most often start in the legs and travel up through the right side of the heart and into the lungs. Patients who have had acute PE should be asked about PE-related symptoms and functional limitations at every visit for at least 1 year to screen for chronic thromboembolic pulmonary disease or other causes of dyspnea and functional limitation. A pulmonary embolism (PE) happens when a blood clot blocks one or more pulmonary arteries in the lungs. This reduces or stops blood flow to part or all of the lungs. A PE can be fatal. Seek medical help right away if you think you have symptoms. Pulmonary embolism. Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a blockage of an artery in the lungs by a substance that has moved from elsewhere in the body through the bloodstream (embolism). [6] Symptoms of a PE may include shortness of breath, chest pain particularly upon breathing in, and coughing up blood. [1] CT PA, or a computed tomographic angiography (CT or CAT scan) is a special type of X-ray that is the most common test used to diagnose PE because it uses contrast to analyze blood vessels Evidence‑based guideline outlining PE risk categories, hospitalization criteria, and recommendations favoring DOACs to improve outcomes and reduce bleeding. A pulmonary embolism (PE) is a blood clot that travels to your lungs from somewhere else in your body and blocks blood flow. Usually, the clot starts in a vein in your leg or pelvis.