 |
 |

An Algorithm for Managing Suspected Pulmonary Embolism
 |
 |
| Since this article does not have an abstract, we have provided the first 150 words of the full text and any section headings. |
|
 |
 |
To the Editor: The Christopher Study Investigators1 evaluated the effectiveness of managing suspected pulmonary embolism (PE) using an algorithm combining clinical probability, D-dimer testing, and computed tomography (CT). There is some additional information that would help to interpret their results.
Among the 1149 patients classified as PE unlikely but with an abnormal D-dimer test result, the prevalence of PE was 266 (23.2%) of 1149. In at least 813 of the remaining 883 patients (if the 20 patients with an inconclusive CT scan and the 50 patients in whom CT was indicated but not performed all belonged to the 883 patients), CT excluded PE. Furthermore, at least 744 of these patients (if all of the 69 patients treated with anticoagulant therapy for reasons other than venous thromboembolism [VTE] were among the 813 patients) did not receive anticoagulants.
Among the overall 1505 patients in whom CT excluded PE, 1436 patients did not . . . [Full Text of this Article]
Hisato Takagi, MD, PhD
kfgth973@ybb.ne.jp
Takuya Umemoto, MD, PhD
Department of Cardiovascular Surgery Shizuoka Medical Center Shizuoka, Japan
RELATED ARTICLES
Effectiveness of Managing Suspected Pulmonary Embolism Using an Algorithm Combining Clinical Probability, D-Dimer Testing, and Computed Tomography
JAMA. ;295():172-179.
FULL TEXT
An Algorithm for Managing Suspected Pulmonary Embolism--Reply
, , , , and
JAMA. ;295():2604-2604.
FULL TEXT
|