Key result
A diagnostic strategy combining low clinical probability, nondiagnostic lung scan, and normal ultrasonography safely ruled out pulmonary embolism, with a 3-month thromboembolic risk of 1.7%.
Why the study?
Does a diagnostic strategy of low clinical probability, nondiagnostic lung scan, and normal lower-limb venous compression ultrasonography safely rule out suspected pulmonary embolism in emergency department patients?
Cohort (n=1,034)
Yes
Does a diagnostic strategy of low clinical probability, nondiagnostic lung scan, and normal lower-limb venous compression ultrasonography safely rule out suspected pulmonary embolism in emergency department patients?
A diagnostic strategy combining low clinical probability, nondiagnostic lung scan, and normal lower-limb venous compression ultrasonography can safely rule out pulmonary embolism and avoid pulmonary angiography in approximately 21.5% of patients.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
May support avoiding angiography in select patients; leaves open need for prospective validation before practice change.
Perrier et al. (2000) conducted a cohort in Suspected pulmonary embolism (n=1,034). Diagnostic protocol of clinical evaluation, lung scan, and ultrasonography was evaluated on 3-month thromboembolic risk (95% CI 0.4-4.9). A diagnostic strategy combining low clinical probability, nondiagnostic lung scan, and normal ultrasonography safely ruled out pulmonary embolism, with a 3-month thromboembolic risk of 1.7%.
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