What is the key finding associated with pulmonary embolism (PE) during cardiac arrest in the Emergency Department?

The key finding associated with pulmonary embolism (PE) during cardiac arrest in the Emergency Department is its notable association with pulseless electrical activity (PEA), occurring in approximately 33% of cases. This correlation highlights the importance of considering PE as a potential underlying cause in patients presenting with cardiac arrest, especially when they exhibit electrical activity without a palpable pulse.

PEA can occur when there is a problem with blood flow despite the heart's electrical activity, and PE is one of the potential causes of this phenomenon. Understanding that roughly one-third of cardiac arrest cases with PEA may be related to a pulmonary embolism emphasizes the necessity for clinicians to rapidly evaluate for PE in these situations. This approach can influence treatment decisions, as immediate interventions, such as advanced imaging or thrombolysis, might significantly impact patient outcomes.

Addressing the other options, while undiagnosed PE rates and one-year mortality are relevant statistics, they do not specifically focus on the immediate clinical picture during cardiac arrest. Similarly, while the occurrence of deep venous thrombosis is concerning, it is not as directly tied to the critical presentation of PEA in the context of cardiac arrest as the chosen answer is.