Syncope as the Sole Manifestation of a Saddle Pulmonary Embolism in a Hemodynamically Stable Patient
Abstract
Syncope is a common emergency department presentation with many potential causes. Pulmonary embolism (PE) typically presents with chest pain, dyspnea, and abnormal vital signs, but has been reported without typical signs or symptoms. A 77-year-old man experienced sudden syncope while carrying water cartons. He denied prodromal symptoms or cardiopulmonary complaints. His history included hypertension, chronic kidney disease, glaucoma, and hyperlipidemia. However, he denied major risk factors for PE. On arrival, he was hemodynamically stable, with only a forehead abrasion on exam. Labs revealed thrombocytopenia (89 × 10³/μL) (reference range:
Fields of Study & Subjects
Venous Thromboembolism Diagnosis and Management
Cardiovascular and Diving-Related Complications
Aortic Thrombus and Embolism
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Cureus
- Volume
- 18
- Issue
- 1
- Pages
- e102660–e102660
- Publication date
- 30 January 2026
- Language
- EN