Is Bedside End-Tidal CO2 Measurement a Screening Tool to Exclude Pulmonary Embolism in Emergency Department?

摘要

BackgroundPulmonary embolism (PE) is among the most difficult conditions to diagnose in emergency department. The majority of patients thought to have PE are tested positive for D-dimer and subsequently tested with advanced diagnostic modalities. Novel noninvasive tests capable of excluding PE may obviate the need for advanced imaging tests. We studied the role of combined clinical probability assessment and end-tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO2) measurement for diagnosis of possible PE in emergency department.