
- The D-dimer test is a marker of blood clotting activity and is not diagnostic of VTE
- When used appropriately the D-dimer test helps “rule out” VTE if the test is negative and the chance of the patient having a VTE is relatively low
The chest x-ray demonstrates the Hampton hump sign, a dome-shaped area of opacification in the periphery of the left lower lobe.
ECG findings among patients with acute PE: tachycardia (38%), T-wave inversion in lead V1 (38%), and ST elevation in aVR (36%). significant EKG findings which predicted mortality were:
The recommendations, based on a literature review and the best available evidence, include: