PULMONARY EMBOLISM Pt 3

Assessment & Diagnostic Workup

Diagnostic evaluation and tests used for identifying Pulmonary Embolism.

MDCT Angiography (MDCTA)

Gold Standard / Criterion Standard. Fast, provides high-quality visualization of pulmonary vessels and parenchyma.

Pulmonary Angiography

Reasonable alternative when MDCTA is unavailable. Invasive fluoroscopy via right heart catheterization.

V/Q Scan

Used if CT/Angiography is unavailable or contraindicated. High sensitivity; measures regional V/Q ratios.

D-Dimer Assay

Blood test screening for active clot formation/degradation.

Chest X-Ray

Usually normal; used primarily to rule out other causes (may show atelectasis, infiltrates, or elevated diaphragm).

ECG in Pulmonary Embolism

Sinus tachycardia, nonspecific ST-T changes.

ABG in Pulmonary Embolism

Hypoxemia and hypocapnia (due to hyperventilation).

Diagnostic Role of MDCT Angiography (MDCTA)

Provides high-quality visualization of pulmonary vessels and parenchyma.

Diagnostic Role of Pulmonary Angiography

Invasive fluoroscopy via right heart catheterization.

Diagnostic Role of V/Q Scan

Measures regional V/Q ratios.

Diagnostic Role of D-Dimer Assay

Screens for active clot formation/degradation.

Common ECG Finding in Pulmonary Embolism

Sinus tachycardia.

Common ABG Findings in Pulmonary Embolism

Hypoxemia and hypocapnia.

Purpose of Chest X-Ray in Pulmonary Embolism

Used primarily to rule out other causes.