Pleth Variability Index in Pulmonary Embolism

Pulmonary embolism(PE) is a ventilation/perfusion disorder caused by obstruction of the pulmonary artery, usually by a thrombus. The Pleth Variability Index(PVI) is a continuous, noninvasive indicator of dynamic perfusion index changes in photoplethysmography that occur in at least one respiratory cycle. The aim of this study is to evaluate the prognostic and mortality indicator role of PVI in patients with PE, hypothesizing that PVI could serve as a valuable guide in this disease where perfusion impairment is fundamental. Based on our study, we determined that PVI could be a non-invasive, rapid, and objective tool for predicting disease progression and mortality in PE patients in the emergency department. Our study is the first to evaluate the PVI in PE.