Advances in the detection of pulmonary embolism

Background: Diagnosing or excluding pulmonary embolism is a complex challenge. Many diagnostic instruments can be used in patients with clinically suspected pulmonary embolism nowadays, all with their own (dis-)advantages. Methods/objectives: In this review, these (dis-)advantages are discussed for the following diagnostic instruments: clinical probability assessment, D-dimer concentration, the combination of clinical probability assessment and D-dimer concentration, bilateral compression ultrasonography, ventilation/perfusion scintigraphy, computerized tomographic pulmonary angiography, pulmonary angiography and magnetic resonance pulmonary angiography. A diagnostic strategy, which can be adjusted to local facilities, is provided and discussed. Conclusion: Using combinations of some of these diagnostic tools, many diagnostic strategies are possible and every hospital should make its own local protocol suited for the local situation.