Pulmonary embolism. Strategy for evaluation and treatment of patients at increased risk

Pulmonary embolism is a common clinical problem, particularly in hospitalized patients. Its recognition is difficult because no single sign, symptom, or laboratory test is diagnostic for its presence. A high index of suspicion must be maintained for predisposed patients. The diagnostic algorithm presented here suggests an approach to definitive assessment. Anticoagulation, the management of choice, is highly effective in reducing thromboembolic deaths and in preventing recurrent pulmonary embolism. Low-dose anticoagulant therapy may also be preventive.