Diagnostic utility of ultrasonography of leg veins in patients suspected of having pulmonary embolism

Article Abstract:

The value of using compression ultrasound to identify patients with blood clots around the lung called pulmonary embolisms appears to be offset by its limited accuracy. The accuracy and value of compression ultrasound compared to angiograms and perfusion-ventilation scans were evaluated among 397 patients with suspected pulmonary embolisms. If compression ultrasound was used first, 9% of the angiograms and 14% of the perfusion-ventilation scans could be prevented. However, 13% of the patients would receive inappropriate treatment based on an inaccurate ultrasound.

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Excluding pulmonary embolism safely

Article Abstract:

Many tests can be done to determine if a patient does not have a pulmonary embolism. They include a history and physical exam, a D-dimer test, lung scans, and angiography. Pulmonary embolism occurs when a blood clot forms in the legs and then travels to the lungs. It can be difficult to diagnose, so many doctors focus on identifying patients who probably do not have pulmonary embolism.

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Improving the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism in the emergency department

Article Abstract:

Patients who have no physical signs of a pulmonary embolism and whose D-dimer test is negative probably do not have a pulmonary embolism. The D-dimer test looks for evidence of blood clots in blood samples. Pulmonary embolism is a blood clot that lodges in the lungs.

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