Diagnosis of acute pulmonary embolism. European guidelines

peer reviewedThis article summarizes the role of imaging techniques for the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism, according to the European Society of Cardiology 2014 guidelines. In case of hemodynamic instability, bedside echocardiography is the most useful initial test. In case of hemodynamic stability, plasma D-dimers measurement represents the first step and computed tomographic angiography is the second line test, except if pulmonary embolism is likely; then, computed tomographic angiography is the first choice test. Otherwise, lung scintigraphy remains a valid option for patients with elevated D-dimers and a contraindication to computed tomography