The current approach to the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism: lessons from PIOPED II.

The rapid diagnosis of PE is essential to reducing the significant morbidity and mortality of this disease. The recently published PIOPED II reinforces the important lesson of assessing pretest clinical probability to correctly interpret test results, and supports a central role of CT angiography in patients with clinically suspected PE. The diagnostic algorithm discussed in this review allows clinicians to utilize the available diagnostic resources practically and efficiently to quickly diagnose and treat PE.