Diagnosis

Diagnosis

Prompt diagnosis and treatment can significantly reduce the morbidity and mortality related to pulmonary embolism

Prompt diagnosis, followed by proper treatment can significantly reduce the morbidity and mortality related to PE. Unfortunately, it is better said than done and the diagnosis is often given a miss due to vague and nonspecific symptoms.

Diagnosis of pulmonary embolism is initiated by recording the medical history followed by physical examination.

Symptoms such as chest pain or breathlessness should arouse suspicion of PE.

Specific tests that help to diagnose PE are

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• Blood tests to assess blood count, ESR, clotting status, liver function and electrolytes
• Imaging studies such as selective pulmonary angiography and CT pulmonary angiography. The latter is non-invasive.
• Ventilation -perfusion scintigraphy
• Chest x-ray, leg Doppler, ECG and ECHO are also used as diagnostic procedures to detect PE.