Key result
Chest pain in PE is linked to a ~49% lower likelihood of late diagnosis.
Why the study?
Delayed diagnosis of pulmonary embolism is common and previous studies have not accounted for the role of primary care physicians in the diagnostic process.
Cohort (n=261)
No
Odds Ratio: 0.51 (95% CI 0.28–0.92)
p-value: p=0.03
Diagnostic delay for pulmonary embolism averages 8.6 days, largely due to patient and primary care delays, though symptoms like chest pain and calf pain prompt earlier diagnosis.
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Supports heightened suspicion for PE without chest pain; leaves open whether reducing delays improves outcomes.
Walen et al. (2016) conducted a cohort in Pulmonary embolism (n=261). Chest pain vs. Absence of chest pain was evaluated on Late diagnosis (≥ 7 days) (OR 0.51, 95% CI 0.28 to 0.92, p=0.03). In patients with pulmonary embolism, the average total diagnostic delay was 8.6 days, and the presence of chest pain was significantly associated with a lower likelihood of late diagnosis (OR 0.51).
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