University Of Virginia Health System

A pulmonary embolism is a blockage of an artery in the lungs. The embolism prevents blood and nourishment from getting to a specific area of the lungs. This may lead to the death of lung tissue in this area. Damage to the lungs may make it difficult for the lungs to work properly. In severe cases, a pulmonary embolism can lead to death.Learn more from Dr. Aditya Sharma, a UVA specialist in aneurysms and vascular disease.