What procedure is done when finding a pulmonary embolism?

Answer 1

A D-dimer test can be done to show if the body is breaking down a blood clot. If this test shows positive then a spiral CT scan can be done to try to pinpoint the clot. Also a V-Q (ventilation-perfusion) scan can be done to pinpoint an area of the lung that is not getting blood flow. Regardless of the exact location the clot must be removed, either by surgical excision or by "clot buster" drugs such as streptokinase.

Answer 2

Traditionally, a pulmonary angiography is the primary tool for diagnosing a pulmonary embolism. CT pulmonary angiography is gaining wider acceptance over a traditional pulmonary angiography primarily because they are non-invasive, clinically equivalent, and can potentially identify an alternate disorder in the absence of a pulmonary embolism.

Answer 3

Pulmonary embolism can be diagnosed through the patient's history, a physical exam, and diagnostic tests including chest x ray, lung scan, pulmonary angiography, electrocardiography,

Answer 4

Computed tomography (CT scan) may give a more detailed picture of the lungs. Bronchoscopy may be done to examine the air passages and analyze the cells found deep in the lungs.

Answer 5

I believe a contrast Computed Tomography scan is the gold standard; I've also seen Ventilattion/Perfussion (V/Q) scans done too, amongst others.

Answer 6

60,000 die from it.