Risk Factors of Zhang et al for a Pulmonary Embolism in a Patient Diagnosed with Community-Acquired Pneumonia (CAP)

Description

Zhang et al identified factors that may indicate the presence of a pulmonary embolism (PE) in a patient initially diagnosed as having community-acquired pneumonia. These can help to identify a patient who may benefit from more aggressive management. The authors are from the Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital , Shanghai Liqun Hospital and Tongji University in China.

Patient selection: adult admitted with the diagnosis of community-acquired pneumonia and an elevated plasma D-dimer concentration

Both PE and CAP may show an elevation in D-dimer. A patient with PE may have a higher concentration.

Reasons to consider an occult PE:

(1) age > 60 years of age

(2) coronary artery disease (CAD)

(3) COPD

(4) lower limb varicosity

(5) chest pain

(6) shortness of breath

(7) hemoptysis

(8) increased serum troponin concentration

(9) low-grade fever

A patient with risk factors for occult PE should be evaluated for CT pulmonary angiography or other study.

Additional criteria might include"

(1) a history of thromboembolic disease

(2) evidence of deep vein thrombosis on physical exam

To read more or access our algorithms and calculators, please log in or register.

Description

Specialty

ICD-10