Gold standard for diagnosing pulmonary embolism:

B i.e. V-P Scan Investigation of choice (IOC) for diagnosing pulmonary embolism is pulmonary aeriography followed by ventilation - perfusion scanQ. Advantages & Disadvantages of various tests for DTE Dx Test Advantages Disadvantages 1. Plasm D-dimer ELISA Normal results make PE highly unlikely Level is elevated in various systemic illnesses 2. Lung (V-P) Scanning Standard initial imaging test for PEQ. High probability scans are reliable for detecting PE . normal/near normal scans are reliable for precluding PE Most scans are neither high probability nor normal/near normal; most are equivocal 3. Pulmonary angiography Gold standard for diagnosisQ Invasive, Costly & Uncomfoable ; so not a first line investigation