Diagnosing a pulmonary embolism (PE) involves a combination of factors, including your medical history, symptoms and a variety of tests. Here's a breakdown of the process:

• Medical history and symptom evaluation
• Your doctor will first ask about your symptoms, any recent surgery or injuries, medical conditions and family history of PE.
• Certain symptoms, like sudden shortness of breath, sharp chest pain, coughing up blood and rapid heart rate raise suspicion for PE.

• Physical examination
• Your doctor will listen to your lungs for abnormal sounds and check for signs of swelling or tenderness in your legs.

• Blood tests
• D-dimer test: This blood test measures the breakdown products of blood clots and can help rule out PE in low-risk individuals. However, a normal D-dimer test doesn't necessarily rule out PE, especially in high-risk individuals.
• Other blood tests: Certain blood tests may be done to check for underlying conditions that increase the risk of PE, such as blood clotting disorders or infections.

• Imaging tests:
• Chest X-ray: This can show general abnormalities in the lungs, but it isn't specific for PE.
• CT pulmonary angiography (CTPA): This is the most common and accurate imaging test for diagnosing PE. It uses a CT scan and contrast dye to visualize blood flow in the lungs and can identify blood clots.
• Ventilation-perfusion (V/Q) scan: This test uses radioactive tracers to assess both ventilation (airflow) and perfusion (blood flow) in the lungs. While less common than CTPA, it can be helpful in certain situations.

The specific tests used to diagnose PE will depend on your individual situation and the doctor's assessment. In some cases, a combination of tests may be used to confirm the diagnosis.

If you or your loved one is in the San Antonio area, Boerne or New Braunfels call 210-369-9151 today to make your appointment with Dr. Busken.