Missed acute pulmonary embolism and sudden death: A case report

Rationale: Pulmonary embolism is a severe cardiovascular disease. Acute pulmonary embolism is an extremely common and potentially the serious pattern of venous thromboembolic disease. Unfortunately, missed diagnosis of pulmonary embolism is lethal and common because of its non-specific symptoms and signs. Patient concerns: A 42-year-old male patient presented with acute chest pain that was treated as gastroesophageal reflux disease. Diagnosis: Suspected acute pulmonary embolism. Interventions: O-2 inhalation, urgent electrocardiography, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Outcomes: Deterioration and sudden cardiac death. Lessons: Physicians should pay much attention to the symptoms and signs of pulmonary embolism to reduce the rate of missed diagnosis.