A 72-year-old with low pretest probability of PE has a D-dimer of 650 ng/mL (FEU). What is the best next step? (Age-adjusted cutoff = age×10 ng/mL = 7...

Question

A 72-year-old with low pretest probability of PE has a D-dimer of 650 ng/mL (FEU). What is the best next step? (Age-adjusted cutoff = age×10 ng/mL = 720 ng/mL for FEU.)

Accepted Answer

No imaging; PE ruled out using age-adjusted D-dimer.

Answer

CT pulmonary angiography.

Answer

V/Q scan.

Answer

Empiric anticoagulation for PE.

Answer

Lower extremity ultrasound only.

us-usmle-step-2 MCQ (SBA): Pulmonary Embolism Evaluation

A 72-year-old with low pretest probability of PE has a D-dimer of 650 ng/mL (FEU). What is the best next step? (Age-adjusted cutoff = age×10 ng/mL = 720 ng/mL for FEU.)