[Diagnosis of pulmonary embolism]

Assessing the pulmonary embolism we are thrown into two dilemmas: whether due to the overlooked pulmonary emboli the morbidity and mortality may significantly increase or complications are possible due to the unsuitable anticoagulant therapy in false diagnosis. Several clinical symptoms and signs are nonspecific. Ventilatory perfusion scintigraphy is a sensitive test, yet its specificity is varied according to the number and extent of defects. In multiple segmental or lobar perfusion defects at preserved ventilation there is a great possibility of of pulmonary embolism. If only slight defects are involved pulmonary embolism could not be excluded although the ventilation is disturbed in this region. However, pulmonary angiography remains the standard test.