Imaging for the exclusion of pulmonary embolism in pregnancy

Abstract

This is the protocol for a review and there is no abstract. The objectives are as follows: To determine the diagnostic accuracy of imaging tests for the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism (PE) in pregnancy. The diagnostic accuracy of these tests or diagnostic strategies will be calculated in relation to the reference standard of pulmonary angiography (PA) or clinical follow-up for at least six weeks. To determine the number of inconclusive test results for each diagnostic test or diagnostic strategy. We aim to investigate the effects of a number of factors on the negative predictive value of the index tests. Clinical factors are the following. 1. Prior testing, e.g. using clinical decision rule results and D-dimer testing. 2. Gestational age. 3. Type of reference standard. 4. Technological advances of CTPA (multi-slice versus single-slice).