Suspected pulmonary embolism

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Pulmonary embolism, a common complication off deep venous thrombosis that may cause sudden death or chronic disability is notoriously difficult to diagnose. It may be silent, or it may mimic precisely the typical presentation of numerous other diseases. In this article, the authors describe the classic signs and symptoms and discuss current procedures that must be used in evaluation. They also provide a work sheet to aid physicians in the clinical application of ventilation-perfusion scan results.

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Notes on contributors

Gary H. Miller

Gary H. Miller, MD Dr Miller (pictured) is assistant clinical professor of medicine, The George Washington University Medical Center, Washington, DC. In addition to thromboembolism, he has a particular interest in sleep disorders.

Craig F. Fried

Craig F. Feied, MD Dr Feied is director of medical informatics and associate director, Center for Wound Healing, department of emergency medicine, The George Washington University Medical Center. He is also senior fellow, Ronald Reagan Institute of Emergency Medicine.