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clinical decision rules for pulmonary embolism

Elements of medical history & physical exam to designate the pretest probability of pulmonary embolism as 'likely' or 'unlikely' (see HOPPE score) Laboratory: - a positive D-dimer test still warrants further investigation (CT vs VQ scan) if positive regardless of pretest probability Special laboratory: - ultrasound that identifies suspected DVT may eliminate radiation exposure & cost of CT angiography [3] - apparently history of fracture without signs or symptoms of DVT is sufficient for suspicion [3] Notes: - Well's rule for deep vein thrombosis - YEARS clinical decision rule - Geneva score - Wells score outperforms Geneva scores in ruling out pulmonary embolism in the primary care setting - HOPPE score

References

  1. Douma RA et al. Performance of 4 clinical decision rules in the diagnostic management of acute pulmonary embolism: A prospective cohort study. Ann Intern Med 2011 Jun 7; 154:709 PMID: 21646554
  2. Journal Watch, Massachusetts Medical Society (subscription may be required) http://general-medicine.jwatch.org/articles/JO2011062301.jpg
  3. Medical Knowledge Self Assessment Program (MKSAP) 16, 18. American College of Physicians, Philadelphia 2012, 2018.
  4. Hendriksen JMT et al Diagnostic prediction models for suspected pulmonary embolism: systematic review and independent external validation in primary care. BMJ 2015;351:h4438 PMID: 26349907 http://www.bmj.com/content/351/bmj.h4438 - Dachs RJ Predicting pulmonary embolus in primary care. BMJ 2015;351:h4594 PMID: 26351275 http://www.bmj.com/content/351/bmj.h4594
  5. Van der Hulle T, Cheung WY, Kooij S, et al Simplified Diagnostic Management of Suspected Pulmonary Embolism (the YEARS Study): A Prospective, Multicentre, Cohort Study. Lancet 2017;May 23 PMID: 28549662 http://www.acc.org/latest-in-cardiology/journal-scans/2017/06/02/10/46/simplified-diagnostic-management-of-suspected-pulmonary-embolism