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[Compliance with consensus 'Diagnosis pulmonary embolism' in clinical practice]
F M van der Zant1, R O Boer, J D Kooy
1Afd. Nucleaire Geneeskunde, Medisch Centrum, Alkmaar.
Nederlands Tijdschrift Voor Geneeskunde
|December 2, 1995
Summary
Clinical management for suspected pulmonary embolism often deviates from Dutch consensus guidelines, particularly for patients with non-high-probability scans. Adherence is high for normal or high-probability scans.
Area of Science:
- Medical Diagnostics
- Pulmonary Medicine
Background:
- Pulmonary embolism (PE) diagnosis requires careful clinical assessment.
- Established consensus guidelines aim to standardize diagnostic protocols.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate adherence to the Dutch consensus for diagnosing pulmonary embolism.
- To assess clinical management of patients suspected of PE.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of clinical management.
- Inclusion of 225 patients undergoing ventilation-perfusion scintigraphy.
- Comparison of management against the Dutch consensus guidelines.
Main Results:
- High-probability scans in 24%, non-high-probability in 30%, and normal scans in 45% of patients.
- Full adherence to consensus for normal or high-probability scans.
- Non-adherence to consensus in 84% of patients with non-high-probability scans.
Conclusions:
- Clinical management for non-high-probability scans significantly deviates from consensus.
- Consensus adherence is high for patients with conclusive scan results.