Key result
The pooled yield rate for pulmonary embolism from CTPA scans in US emergency departments was 3.1%, and increased D-dimer ordering correlated with increased PE yield rate (P<0.001).
Why the study?
Recent data were lacking on pulmonary embolism diagnostic testing rates in US emergency departments and CTPA use in high-risk subgroups like young women and children.
Observational (n=97,125)
Yes
There is significant over-testing for pulmonary embolism in US emergency departments, with a low diagnostic yield of 3.1% for CTPA, highlighting the need for D-dimer based protocols to reduce unnecessary imaging.
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Low PE yield from CTPA in US EDs cautions against overuse; leaves open whether greater D-dimer ordering improves efficiency in prospective studies.
Garrett et al. (2020) conducted an observational in Suspected pulmonary embolism (n=97,125). Diagnostic testing for pulmonary embolism (CTPA, D-dimer) was evaluated on PE yield rate from CTPA scans. The pooled yield rate for pulmonary embolism from CTPA scans in US emergency departments was 3.1%, and increased D-dimer ordering correlated with increased PE yield rate (P<0.001).
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