[Compliance with consensus 'Diagnosis pulmonary embolism' in clinical practice].

OBJECTIVE

Evaluation of clinical management in patients suspected of pulmonary embolism as compared with the Dutch consensus for diagnosing pulmonary embolism.

DESIGN

Retrospective.

SETTING

Medical Centre Alkmaar.

METHOD

Retrospective analysis of clinical management in patients subjected to ventilation-perfusion scintigraphy on suspicion of pulmonary embolism.

RESULTS

In 55 (24%) of the 225 patients included a high-probability scan was found, in 68 (30%) a non-high-probability scan and in 102 (45%) a normal scan. The clinical management in all patients with a normal or high-probability scan was according to the consensus. In the 68 patients with a non-high-probability scan the consensus was completely followed in 16%, partially in 18% and not at all in 66%.

CONCLUSION

Clinical management of patients with a non-high-probability scan in the vast majority of cases was not according to the consensus. The consensus was followed in all patients with a normal or high-probability scan.