Pulmonary Embolism Workup in Five Steps

Abstract

A workup for pulmonary embolism (PE) is complex, with multiple clinical decision rules to remember. A proper diagnostic workup can safely rule out PE without the use of computed tomography, which is both expensive and exposes patients to radiation and intravenous contrast. However, once PE has been diagnosed, it is important to risk stratify patients according to severity to both treat and disposition them correctly. PQRsTU is a simple, easy-to-remember mnemonic for the workup of PE that considers five phases: PERC phase (PE rule-out criteria), Quantify gestalt phase (to determine proper use of D-dimer or direct to imaging), Risk stratification phase (once PE has been diagnosed), Treatment phase, and Unit or floor (patient disposition). This structured method for evaluating PE will help clinicians develop a systematic, evidence-based approach to this complex and potentially lethal disease. Video is available at https://vimeo.com/91406117 Password: perls.