PE

Question 1

What are the symptoms of pulmonary embolism?

Answer 1

Dyspnoea, pleuritic pain, haemoptysis. 65%
Isolated dyspnoea 25%
Shock and hypotension 10%

Question 2

What are the signs of pulmonary embolism?

Answer 2

Tachypnoea, tachycardia, crepitations, pleural rub

Question 3

What would an ECG show in PE?

Answer 3

Not diagnostic. Sinus tachycardia, right heart strain, T wave inversion on anterior leads.

Question 4

What would a CXR show in PE?

Answer 4

Often normal. Could be a small pleural effusion, focal oligaemia.

Question 5

What would an ABG show in PE?

Answer 5

Hypoxia, low CO2, may be normal

Question 6

What is the main diagnostic test for PE?

Answer 6

CTPA

Question 7

What other further imaging could be done if a PE?

Answer 7

VQ scan, echo, leg ultrasound, D dimer, pulmonary angio

Question 8

How is PE managed?

Answer 8

LMWH then warfarin