The Effectiveness of a Patient’s Bedside Ultrasonography in Diagnosing a Pulmonary Embolism, in the Emergency Department

Abstract

Objective: The research aim was to analyze the function of focused cardiac ultrasonography (FoCUS) in diagnosing a pulmonary embolism (PE) and contributing to the practice of emergency medicine and expediting the treatment of PE. Materials and Methods: In this prospective and observational study, Wells scores were calculated on those patients who presented to the emergency department over the last 2 years and were evaluated with a preliminary diagnosis of PE, as well as the biochemical values and imaging techniques. In all cases, FoCUS was used as the diagnostic tool. Results: A PE was detected in 38 (63.3%) of 60 patients. According to Wells score, it was determined that 5 (8.3%) patients had low-risk, 41 (68.3%) had medium-risk, and 14 (23.3%) had high-risk Wells score. There was a statistically significant correlation between the existence of PE and the findings of FoCUS in patients with right ventricular dilatation ( P < .001). According to Wells score, moderate-risk individuals with PE were more likely to exhibit right ventricular dilatation ( P = .003). Conclusion: The FoCUS results either alone or in conjunction with the Wells score, reviewed in the diagnosis of PE, effectively indicated and directed the diagnosis and treatment of patients admitted to this particular emergency department.