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CalculatorAboutReferences
CalculatorAboutReferences
CalculatorAboutReferences

PE Clinical Probability

Determine pretest probability of PE to guide workup

Questions

1.DVT symptoms: Leg swelling and pain with palpation in the deep-vein region?
2.PE is as likely or more likely than an alternative diagnosis?
3.Immobilization: Bedrest ≥3 days or surgery in last 4 weeks?
4.Previous DVT/PE?
5.Hemoptysis?
6.Malignancy: Cancer treatment currently or in last 6 months (or receiving palliative care)?
7.Heart rate?

About

The diagnostic accuracy for PE improves when the clinical probability is estimated before the use diagnostic tests. It is important to note that, when using the scoring system by itself, PE cannot be ruled out completely in patients with a low probability score or confirmed in patients with a high probability score. However, use of such a score can help inform interpretation of subsequent diagnostic tests and reduce the need for invasive testing. For instance, in one study, the combination of a low clinical probability and a negative d-dimer result was able to exclude PE without further diagnostic imaging. Because multiple D-dimer assays are available, physicians should ensure that a proven high-sensitivity assay is available and that the test has been validated/audited in their institution.

References

Wells PS, Anderson DR, Rodger M, et al.

Derivation of a simple clinical model to categorize patients probability of pulmonary embolism: increasing the models utility with the SimpliRED D-dimer.

Thrombosis and Haemostasis 2000, 83 (3): 416-20

Wells PS, Anderson DR, Rodger M, et al.

Excluding pulmonary embolism at the bedside without diagnostic imaging: management of patients with suspected pulmonary embolism presenting to the emergency department by using a simple clinical model and d-dimer.

Annals of Internal Medicine 2001 July 17, 135 (2): 98-107

Chunilal SD, et al.

Does this patient have pulmonary embolism?

JAMA: the Journal of the American Medical Association 2003 December 3, 290 (21): 2849-58

The PE Clinical Probability calculator is created by QxMD.

Created by on 12/05/2016

By using this site you acknowledge that you have read, understand, and agree to be bound by our terms of use and privacy policy. All content and tools are for educational use only, are not meant to be a substitute for professional advice and should not be used for medical diagnosis and/or medical treatment.

1. DVT symptoms: Leg swelling and pain with palpation in the deep-vein region?

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