Home Health Center
Pulmonary Embolism
Pulmonary Embolism - Diagnosis
Diagnosis of Pulmonary Embolism
Since the symptoms of pulmonary embolism tend to be confused with other conditions, there is often a problem concerning the diagnosis of the condition. Several factors are taken into consideration before reaching a conclusive diagnosis. Tests for pulmonary embolism include:
- A physical exam to check the heart and lungs and rule out other conditions such as heart attack, pneumonia, a collapsed lung or pneumonia. A chest exam with a stethoscope will also indicate whether pleuritic chest pain associated with pulmonary embolism is present.
- The physical exam will also check for DVT in the extremities by checking for swelling and tenderness in the legs or arms along with skin that is warm to touch and red in color.
- CBC or Complete Blood Count
- Electrolyte testing
- BUN or Blood Urea Nitrogen testing
- Creatinine testing to check for proper functioning of the kidneys
- Chest x-ray
- EKG if there is the presence of rapid or irregular heart rate caused by a blockage in the pulmonary artery
- Pulmonary angiogram
- d-Dimer blood test is performed in cases where the possibility of a pulmonary embolism is low but cannot be completely ruled out
- CT scan of the chest
- MRI scans of the deep veins and lungs
- Ventilation-perfusion scans or VQ scans
- Venous Doppler studies or ultrasound of the legs to check for DVT
- Arterial blood gas analysis will indicate a pulmonary embolism if there is a drop in blood oxygen levels