Negative CT scans can rule out pulmonary embolism in low risk patients

Question Can clinicians rely on a negative computed tomography (CT) scan to rule out suspected pulmonary embolism?

Synopsis Previous studies question the value of using CT scanning alone to rule out suspected pulmonary embolism. These investigators thoroughly searched multiple databases—including Medline, the Cochrane Registry of Controlled Trials, and Science Citation Index—and relevant journals for English language articles meeting selection criteria. Included studies used contrast enhanced CT as the initial triage test to rule out the diagnosis of acute pulmonary embolism, had an appropriate clinical follow-up of at least three …