Evaluating outcomes for patients with suspected pulmonary embolism

To determine the clinical outcomes for patients with suspected pulmonary embolism, we studied 487 consecutive patients after they received appropriate diagnostic management and routine heparin and oral anticoagulant therapy. Pulmonary embolism was confirmed, excluded, or remained uncertain in 193, 242, and 51 patients, respectively. During the 6-month follow-up period, 7 patients (3.3%) bad serious bleeding complications, 2 of which were fatal. Recurrent pulmonary embolism was shown in 0.9% to 2.6% of patients in whom it was initially ruled out or confirmed. Overall mortality was 11% for patients without pulmonary embolism, 28% for those with an uncertain diagnosis, and 17% in those with a confirmed diagnosis. Death was related to pulmonary embolism in 5%.