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Emergency

Pulmonary Embolism (PE) Workup

PERC → Wells PE Score → Age-Adjusted D-Dimer

Emergency3–5 minEmergency physicians, hospitalists, internists, NPs/PAs

This pathway guides clinicians through the sequential evaluation of suspected pulmonary embolism in patients with low pre-test probability. It integrates the PERC rule, Wells PE scoring, and age-adjusted D-dimer interpretation — following American College of Emergency Physicians and European Society of Cardiology guidelines. Each step provides clinical context, a score, and a disposition recommendation before advancing to the next.

Pathway Steps

1

Pre-Test Probability Assessment

Required before applying the PERC rule

2

PERC Rule

Check each criterion that applies to the patient

3

Wells PE Score

Check each criterion that applies — note point values

4

Age-Adjusted D-Dimer

For low Wells PE probability — determine if D-dimer rules out PE

Clinical Disclaimer

This clinical pathway is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. All clinical decisions must be made by a licensed healthcare professional with full knowledge of the patient's clinical context. PERC is validated only in low pre-test probability patients. Always apply clinical judgment — no algorithm replaces bedside assessment.