Objective To establish a clinical classification of pulmonary embolism (PE), and to evaluate the optional treatment strategies for different types of PE.Methods From December 1995 to July 2001, 45 patients with acute PE were hospitalized, of which 33 received intravenous thrombolytic therapy or interventional treatment.Results Misdiagnostic rate in the 45 patients with acute PE during first visit was 62. 2% and mortality rate was 28. 9%. Misdiagnostic rate in acute PE patients who had undergone surgery was 82% and mortality rate was 73%. The effective rate of thrombolytic therapy was 77. 7%. Clinical symptoms rapidly disappeared in massive PE patients treated with interventional therapies.Conclusions Intravenous thrombolytic therapy is one of the most effective methods for treating acute PE. Application of interventional therapy for severe acute PE is also promising. Objective To establish a clinical classification of pulmonary embolism (PE), and to evaluate the treatment strategies for different types of PE. Methods From December 1995 to July 2001, 45 patients with acute PE were hospitalized, of 33 received intravenous thrombolytic therapy or interventional treatment. Results Misdiagnostic rate in the 45 patients with acute PE during first visit was 62. 2% and mortality rate was 28. 9%. Misdiagnostic rate in acute PE patients who had undergone surgery was 82% and mortality rate was 73%. The effective rate of thrombolytic therapy was 77. 7%. Clinical symptoms were rapidly disappeared in massive PE patients treated with interventional therapies. Conclusions Intravenous thrombolytic therapy is one of the most effective methods for treating acute PE. Application of interventional therapy for severe acute PE is also promising