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Vascular Medicine, Vol. 8, No. 1, 21-23 (2003)
DOI: 10.1191/1358863x03vm465oa
© 2003 SAGE Publications

Acute symptomatic pulmonary embolism associated with long haul air travel to Sydney

Susan R Hertzberg

Prince of Wales Hospital, Randwich, Australia, Hertzbergs{at}sesahs.gov.au

Shiva Roy

Prince of Wales Hospital, Randwich, Australia

Greg Hollis

Prince of Wales Hospital, Randwich, Australia

David Brieger

Prince of Wales Hospital, Randwich, Australia

Adam Chan

Prince of Wales Hospital, Randwich, Australia

Warren Walsh

Prince of Wales Hospital, Randwich, Australia

The association between air travel and pulmonary embolism (PE) is recognized, but the absolute risk has not been quantifi ed. Due to its geographical isolation, more than 50% of international travelers arrive at Sydney airport after a flight of at least 9 hours. Patients who become acutely unwell upon disembarkation are taken to one of two hospitals. In this study we reviewed the presentations at these two hospitals. A retrospective analysis of all patients presenting to the emergency departments (ED) directly from Sydney International Airport with symptomatic PE over a three-year period was undertaken. Over 36 months, 17 patients were admitted from Sydney International Airport to the ED with acute PE. All patients had flown for at least 9 hours. Seven patients had risk factors for thromboembolic disease. During the period of our review 6.58 million passengers arrived in Sydney on flights of at least 9 hours in duration, representing an incidence of 2.57 per million. In conclusion, the incidence of acutely symptomatic PE in association with long distance air travel is low and the majority of patients survive following hospital presentation.

Key Words: air travel • pulmonary embolism • risk factors


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