Dr. Stavros Konstantinides
Cardiologist
1 Podcast on BackTable
Dr. Stavros Konstantinides is a cardiologist at the University Medical Centre of the Johannes Gutenberg University in Mainz, Germany.
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Episode # 452 • 01 Jun 2026
Risk Stratification in Acute Pulmonary Embolism
CardioNerds (Dr. Billy-Joe Mullinax, Dr. Dinu Balanescu, and Dr. Jane Ehret) discuss risk stratification in acute pulmonary embolism with Dr. Stavros Konstantinides, Chair of the 2019 ESC Pulmonary Embolism Guidelines. Using a real-world case, this episode explores how modern PE care has moved beyond “massive” and “submassive” labels toward a dynamic, physiology-based approach. The discussion highlights the limitations of static risk scores, the importance of right ventricular dysfunction and biomarkers, and why normotension does not imply stability. Special emphasis is placed on intermediate-high risk PE, early identification of impending hemodynamic collapse, and the role of lactate, serial reassessment, and PERT teams in guiding escalation of care. Audio editing by CardioNerds intern, Joshua Khorsandi.
The 2026 American multi-society PE guidelines were published after this episode was recorded.
Dr. Dinu Balanescu and Dr. Billy-Joe Mullinax are Co-chairs for the CardioNerds PE Series, developed in collaboration with the PERT Consortium.
Enjoy this Circulation 2022 Paths to Discovery article to learn about the CardioNerds story, mission, and values.
More from Dr. Stavros Konstantinides
About
Stavros Konstantinides, MD, FESC, is Professor for Clinical Trials and Medical Director of the Center for Thrombosis and Hemostasis (CTH) at the University of Mainz, Germany. He is also Professor of Cardiology at the Democritus University of Thrace, Greece. He graduated from the Aristotle University of Thessalonica, Greece, and earned his doctorate degree at the University of Freiburg, Germany. For the past 30 years, his clinical and translational research has focused on the risk stratification and risk-adapted antithrombotic management of thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. He has designed and coordinated, and has been principal investigator of numerous high-impact national and international academically sponsored multicentre trials. He is leading member of national and European committees, task forces for clinical practice guidelines, and of networks on pulmonary circulation and right ventricular function.
Visit University Medical Centre of the Johannes Gutenberg University to learn more about Dr. Stavros Konstantinides.
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