A 64-year-old man presents with sudden-onset pleuritic chest pain and dyspnoea. He underwent knee replacement surgery 10 days ago. On examination, he ...

Question

A 64-year-old man presents with sudden-onset pleuritic chest pain and dyspnoea. He underwent knee replacement surgery 10 days ago. On examination, he is tachycardic and mildly hypoxic but normotensive. His Wells score is high. According to current evidence-based practice, what is the most appropriate next investigation?

Accepted Answer

CT pulmonary angiography

Answer

D-dimer assay

Answer

Ventilation-perfusion scan as first-line test

Answer

Lower limb venous duplex ultrasound only

Answer

Reassure and review in 48 hours if symptoms persist

ca-mccqe1 MCQ (SBA): Pulmonary embolism