Role of Clinical Decision Tools in the Diagnosis of Pulmonary Embolism.

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to describe the importance of clinical decision rules for pretest assessment of the probability of the presence of pulmonary embolism (PE), the effect of use of the rules on the yield of pulmonary CT angiography, and obstacles to implementation of the rules in clinical practice. Pulmonary CT angiography is the imaging modality of choice for evaluating patients with suspected PE. Despite increased use of pulmonary CTA, the diagnostic yield for PE remains low. Study results suggest a potential benefit to the use of clinical decision tools in the diagnostic workup of suspected PE.