A Physiologic Approach to the Diagnosis of Acute Pulmonary Embolism

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
ACUTE pulmonary embolism occurs frequently, but its diagnosis is difficult. Its recognition in practice depends largely upon the signs and symptoms of infarction rather than the presence of pulmonary vascular occlusion. Available diagnostic evidence includes an appropriate history, suggestive physical signs and radiologic and electrocardiographic changes, which are helpful if nonspecific. Pulmonary embolism without infarction is particularly difficult to diagnose definitively, and may simulate many kinds of cardiac, pulmonary, pleural, neurologic and acute abdominal disease.1 The need for a technic that will assist in this difficult diagnosis is clear. This paper describes an approach to the problem, emphasizing the principles, . . .