The Diagnosis of Acute Pulmonary Embolism

  • Ebtesam Islam Department of Internal Medicine Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
  • Victor J. Test Department of Internal Medicine Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
Keywords: Pulmonary Embolism, deep venous thrombosis, diagnosis, CT angiography, ventilation-perfusion scans, clinical decision rules

Abstract

This paper reviews the most current literature on the diagnosis of pulmonary thromboembolism.  The epidemiology and symptomology of this disorder, including common symptoms such as fever, chest pain, dyspnea, edema, and syncope, are reviewed.  The utility of basic and easily available testing, such as electrocardiography and chest radiography, is evaluated. The literature on determining the pretest probability of venous thromboembolism with scoring systems, such as the Wells Score, the Geneva Scoring System, and the Pulmonary Embolism Rule Out Criteria, is appraised.  As the evaluation of pulmonary embolism has evolved, multiple imaging techniques has been developed and studied.  Ultrasonography, computed tomography with angiography, magnetic resonance angiography, ventilation perfusion lung scanning, and SPECT ventilation-perfusion lung imaging are discussed.  In conclusion, the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism remains complicated.  Clinical suspicion and stratification should guide a diagnostic strategy for the comprehensive evaluation and diagnosis of patients with this disorder.

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Published
2014-10-11
How to Cite
Islam, E., & Test, V. J. (2014). The Diagnosis of Acute Pulmonary Embolism. The Southwest Respiratory and Critical Care Chronicles, 2(8), 21-30. Retrieved from https://pulmonarychronicles.com/index.php/pulmonarychronicles/article/view/167