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Pulmonary embolism: Difference between revisions

Pulmonary embolism (view source)

Revision as of 14:30, 27 November 2023

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In patients with low pre-test probability, the pulmonary embolism rule-out criteria (PERC) may be applied. If all these eight criteria are fulfilled, PE is excluded, and D-dimer testing is not necessary.
In patients with low pre-test probability, the pulmonary embolism rule-out criteria (PERC) may be applied. If all these eight criteria are fulfilled, PE is excluded, and D-dimer testing is not necessary.<section end="radiology" />


=== Clinical findings ===
=== Clinical findings ===
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[[Arterial blood gas]] may show hypocapnia and hypoxaemia. [[Troponin|Troponins]] and <abbr>[[NT-proBNP]]</abbr> may be positive due to the strain on the heart.
[[Arterial blood gas]] may show hypocapnia and hypoxaemia. [[Troponin|Troponins]] and <abbr>[[NT-proBNP]]</abbr> may be positive due to the strain on the heart.
 
<section begin="radiology" />
=== Imaging ===
=== Imaging ===
The gold standard for PE diagnosis is [[CT pulmonary angiography]] (CTPA), a rapid sequence with IV contrast where the CT scanner spirals around the patient in one breath hold. The scan itself takes only seconds, but the whole procedure including administration of contrast and set-up takes up to 10 minutes.  
The gold standard for PE diagnosis is [[CT pulmonary angiography]] (CTPA), a rapid sequence with IV contrast where the CT scanner spirals around the patient in one breath hold. The scan itself takes only seconds, but the whole procedure including administration of contrast and set-up takes up to 10 minutes.