The prevalence and pattern of pulmonary thromboembolism in the Chinese in Hong Kong.

The prevalence and clinical pattern of pulmonary thromboembolism was studied by a multifaceted approach. This documented the occurrence of pulmonary thromboembolism among the Chinese and confirmed an increasing incidence in Hong Kong, although comparatively it was still much lower (about one-tenth) than that found in western communities. Their clinical pattern, regarding presentation, risk factors, clinical features and response to thrombolytic therapy, conformed well with those reported in the west, but perhaps appeared in a milder form. The strong association of pulmonary thromboembolism with varicose veins and immobilisation would appeal for recommending routine heparinisation in Chinese patients having these combinations. Our findings will stimulate more interest in the comparative study of the haematological profile and the ethnic particulars of the Chinese.