Suspect a Pulmonary Embolism (PE)? The Wells Criteria is a crucial tool in assessing the clinical probability! This scoring system helps determine if a PE is likely, guiding further diagnostic testing like a CT Pulmonary Angiogram.
Think of it as a checklist. Points are assigned for factors like clinical signs and symptoms of DVT, PE being the most likely diagnosis, heart rate over 100, recent surgery or immobilization, prior DVT/PE, hemoptysis, and active cancer.
A higher score suggests a higher probability of PE. This isn't a definitive diagnosis, but it informs your physician whether to proceed with further imaging. A low score doesn't entirely rule out PE, but makes it less likely. Understanding the Wells Criteria for PE empowers you to be a more informed patient. Remember, it's just one piece of the puzzle – always consult with a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment!
