title: [Pulmonary embolism: which diagnostic approach?].
abstract: The recent literature dealing with the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism is reviewed. Clinical signs, electrocardiogram and arterial blood gases analysis are not very helpful whereas a normal level of blood D-dimers makes the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism very unlikely. Lung scanning must be interpreted carefully in parallel with chest radiography. It is most useful if the pattern is either normal or of high probability. All intermediate scans are inconclusive and need a pulmonary arteriogram. Another option in patients with good cardiorespiratory reserve is the use of repeated non-invasive investigations of the lower limbs.
authors.affiliation: Département de Pneumologie, Hôpital Vésale, Montigny-le-Tilleul.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Faber
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Mertens
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Van Meerhaeghe
mesh_terms: D001784:Blood Gas Analysis; D003952:Diagnostic Imaging; D004562:Electrocardiography; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg / Q000098:blood supply; D011655:Pulmonary Embolism / Q000175:diagnosis*; D012129:Respiratory Function Tests; D013927:Thrombosis / Q000175:diagnosis
vernacular_title: L'embolie pulmonaire: quelle démarche diagnostique?