Suspected Pe

Symptom

suspected PE

Considerations

• CTA is gold standard, but strongly consider CXR for rapid first look. While dissections, emboli cannot be diagnosed, CXR can find additional causes or concerns. If IV contrast cannot be given, a positive lower extremity ultrasound can guide management.
• VQ a good choice for renal failure, low or very high suspicion. CTA still better in pregnancy over VQ as radiation dose similar and CTA more complete study.

Recommended tests

• CTA pulmonary artery study
• VQ scan
• US venous

For other considerations, call or text the radiologist.