title: Role of Clinical Decision Tools in the Diagnosis of Pulmonary Embolism.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this article is to describe the importance of clinical decision rules for pretest assessment of the probability of the presence of pulmonary embolism (PE), the effect of use of the rules on the yield of pulmonary CT angiography, and obstacles to implementation of the rules in clinical practice.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Pulmonary CT angiography is the imaging modality of choice for evaluating patients with suspected PE. Despite increased use of pulmonary CTA, the diagnostic yield for PE remains low. Study results suggest a potential benefit to the use of clinical decision tools in the diagnostic workup of suspected PE.
authors.affiliation: 1 Department of Radiology, Division of Cardiothoracic Radiology, University of Michigan Health System, UH B1-132 Taubman/Box 0302, 1500 E Medical Center Dr, Ann Arbor, MI 48109.
authors.forename: William M
authors.initials: WM
authors.lastname: Sherk
authors.affiliation: 1 Department of Radiology, Division of Cardiothoracic Radiology, University of Michigan Health System, UH B1-132 Taubman/Box 0302, 1500 E Medical Center Dr, Ann Arbor, MI 48109.
authors.forename: Jadranka
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Stojanovska
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D000072226:Computed Tomography Angiography / Q000379:methods*; D020000:Decision Support Systems, Clinical / Q000458:organization & administration*; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D006801:Humans; D011655:Pulmonary Embolism / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D011856:Radiographic Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods*; D011857:Radiographic Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity
keywords: clinical decision tools; modified Wells criteria; pulmonary CT angiography; pulmonary embolism; rule-out criteria