When the perfusion is reduced in pulmonary embolism, won't there be a ventilation shunt such that...?

Question

...breath sounds are reduced? Or is there such a thing a ventilation shunt?

Answer 1

Pulmonary embolism is an emergency complication. No time for autofibrinolysis or any shunt is available unless skilled and intensive fibrinolytic therapy is instituted. Embolectomy is more preferred treatment of choice. For all practical purposes ventilatory shunt does not occur and help.