What’s Your Diagnosis? Pulmonary Embolism

Welcome to this month’s What’s Your Diagnosis Challenge!

But before we begin, check to see if you got the previous case on Diagnosing and Treating Pericarditis and Myocarditis in the Emergency Department correct.

Case Presentation: Evidence-Based Management of Pulmonary Embolism in the Emergency Department   

An obese 55-year-old man reports exertional dyspnea that began 2 days prior… 

• The man says he is generally active, despite being obese, and says that he walks extensively for his job. 
• His ECG is normal sinus rhythm at 95 beats/min and his resting pulse oximetry is at 94%. There are no other abnormalities. Chest x-ray, natriuretic peptide, and high-sensitivity troponin are normal. 
• All of his symptoms can be explained by his weight, but you wonder whether you should start down a diagnostic pulmonary embolism algorithm… 

Make your best guess, and check back next month to find out the correct answer!

USACS subscribers can log in or renew here.