Combining clinical probability and ventilation-perfusion scan for diagnosis of pulmonary embolism

Abstract

A short cut review was carried out to establish whether clinical probability estimates improve the utility of VQ scan results in patients being investigated for possible pulmonary embolus. Altogether 387 papers were found using the reported search, of which six presented the best evidence to answer the clinical question. The author, date and country of publication, patient group studied, study type, relevant outcomes, result and study weaknesses of these best papers are tabulated. A clincal bottom line is stated.