PE Part 1

This episode has been a long time in the making- presenting Pulmonary Embolism, part 1.  PE is a deadly diagnose that we frequently have to consider in the ED.  The presentations can be very varied but we need to know how to work up this disease while avoid unnecessary testing and harm to our patients.  In part 1, we will discuss risk factors for PE, symptoms that should make you suspicious for PE, and how to order the correct labs and imaging to diagnose this serious condition.

PE Part 1 Podcast

PE Part 1 Show Notes (Word Format)

PE Part 1 Show Notes (PDF)

EM Trends– a new FOAM blog on “what’s trending in EM”- great reviews of current literature

Links mentioned in the podcast:

Symptoms associated with PE– large prospective multi-center study (2.9% hemoptysis, 47% chest pain, 79% Shortness of breath)

PE diagnostic accuracy with increasing clinical experience (Accuracy for EM-1- 71%, EM 2-3 75%, EM 4 and attendings- 78%)

PERC rule- original paper

PERC rule- EM Basic Essential Evidence Episode

Other PE decision rules (revised Geneva and Wells)- not as commonly used as PERC

ercast podcast on imaging for PE in pregnancy with Jeff Kline