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Published in: Current Cardiology Reports 11/2018

01-11-2018 | Peripheral Vascular Disease (CJ Cooper and R Gupta, Section Editors)

Pulmonary Embolism for the Cardiologist: Emphasis on Diagnosis

Authors: Jonathan Halevy, Mary Cushman

Published in: Current Cardiology Reports | Issue 11/2018

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Abstract

Purpose of Review

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a common condition with high morbidity and mortality particularly if misdiagnosed or untreated. It has non-specific clinical manifestations, often presenting similarly to other cardiovascular conditions. The aim of this review is to summarize the clinical presentation, diagnostic algorithms, and imaging studies utilized to efficiently make or exclude the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism.

Recent Findings

Recent cohort studies have raised questions about the classic presentations of PE (particularly with regard to syncope) or lack thereof. Diagnosis of PE continues to evolve with new diagnostic algorithms, use of age-adjusted D-dimer cutoffs, validation of older algorithms, and emerging data on multimodality ultrasound and ventilation-perfusion (V/Q) single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging in the diagnosis of PE.

Summary

Optimizing clinical outcomes of PE depend on correct diagnosis of the condition. Given significant variability in clinical presentation, use of a diagnostic algorithm is essential. Use of a clinical decision rule and D-dimer testing can risk stratify patients to allow for judicious use of diagnostic imaging. V/Q scan, CT pulmonary angiography, and lower extremity ultrasound remain the diagnostic imaging modalities of choice with other promising imaging modalities requiring further study.
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Metadata
Title
Pulmonary Embolism for the Cardiologist: Emphasis on Diagnosis
Authors
Jonathan Halevy
Mary Cushman
Publication date
01-11-2018
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Current Cardiology Reports / Issue 11/2018
Print ISSN: 1523-3782
Electronic ISSN: 1534-3170
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11886-018-1060-1

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