Pulmonary Embolism

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Ultrasound
  • Duplex ultrasound is the test of choice to evaluate for DVT
  • Many patients with PE have a negative ultrasound
  • One study suggests that only 29% of patients with a PE had a positive ultrasound [19]
  • With pulmonary signs and symptoms and a positive ultrasound, the suspicion of a PE is high
  • Your index of suspicion for a Pulmonary Embolism will increase with:
    • Location of DVT (above the knee)
    • Onset (within 24 hours)
    • Associated respiratory symptoms
    • Risk factors (history, malignancy, etc)
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