Massive pulmonary embolism in wife-caregiver of terminally ill patient with sarcoma

Am J Hosp Palliat Care. 2012 Sep;29(6):491-2. doi: 10.1177/1049909111426137. Epub 2011 Nov 21.

Abstract

We report a case of massive pulmonary embolism in a 63-year-old female caregiver of her terminally ill husband. Venous thromboembolism in family caregivers is a rare but a serious problem. Increased awareness and implementation of policies and guidelines to decrease potentially preventable venous thromboembolism are vital to help prevent unnecessary death, to increase patient safety, and to contain rising costs in health care.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Caregivers*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Pulmonary Embolism / etiology*
  • Pulmonary Embolism / prevention & control
  • Sarcoma / therapy
  • Terminal Care* / methods