Ultrasound Instead of CT Angiography for Pulmonary Embolism

Computed tomographic angiography (CTA) is costly and carries the risks of exposure to radiation and intravenous contrast. In two separate studies, investigators evaluated the diagnostic performance of chest and venous sonography in patients with symptoms of pulmonary embolism (PE) who were undergoing CTA as part of routine care.

In a single-center U.S. study of 96 patients, 12.5% had PE diagnosed by CTA. PE was diagnosed based on sonographic evidence of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) along with chest symptoms in 2%, and an alternative diagnosis was suggested by ultrasound in 56% (pneumonia, pulmonary edema, or pleural effusion). The authors conclude that if sonographic evidence of DVT was used as the sole diagnostic criterion for PE, 58% of pa…