Tree-based ensemble machine learning models demonstrated higher discrimination for predicting in-hospital all-cause mortality in suspected pulmonary embolism compared to simpler classifiers.
Cohort (n=220)
No
Do explainable machine-learning models integrating routine ED variables with validated risk scores improve the prediction of in-hospital mortality in adults evaluated for suspected acute pulmonary embolism?
Explainable machine learning models combining routine emergency department variables with established risk scores can effectively predict in-hospital mortality in patients with suspected pulmonary embolism.
Background: Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a significant cause of cardiovascular mortality, and emergency department (ED) management requires early risk assessment to guide monitoring and disposition. Because key decisions are often needed while diagnostic evaluation is ongoing, the simplified Pulmonary Embolism Severity Index (sPESI) may provide limited discrimination for in-hospital outcomes. We evaluated whether explainable machine-learning (ML) models integrating routine ED variables with validated risk scores can predict in-hospital mortality in adults evaluated for suspected acute PE. Methods: A retrospective single-center cohort study was performed, including 220 consecutive adults evaluated for suspected acute PE in the ED between January 2021 and March 2025, comprising both PE-confirmed and PE-excluded cases. Predictors included demographics, vital signs, arterial blood gas indices, available imaging/echocardiographic findings, and Wells, Revised Geneva, and sPESI scores. Seven ML algorithms were trained and internally evaluated using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) and complementary metrics. Model interpretability was assessed using SHAP (SHAPley Additive exPlanations), and a sensitivity analysis was conducted in the PE-confirmed subgroup. Results: Tree-based ensemble models demonstrated higher discrimination for in-hospital all-cause mortality than simpler classifiers. SHAP analyses consistently highlighted sPESI, oxygenation/arterial blood gas indices, and malignancy as key contributors to mortality risk. Findings were similar in the PE-confirmed sensitivity analysis. Conclusions: Explainable ML models combining established risk scores with routinely collected ED variables may complement risk stratification along the suspected-PE pathway. External multicenter validation and prospective impact studies are warranted before clinical implementation.
Fındık et al. (Sun,) conducted a cohort in Suspected acute pulmonary embolism (n=220). Explainable machine-learning models (Tree-based ensemble models) vs. Simpler classifiers was evaluated on In-hospital all-cause mortality. Tree-based ensemble machine learning models demonstrated higher discrimination for predicting in-hospital all-cause mortality in suspected pulmonary embolism compared to simpler classifiers.