Ultrasound Evaluation of Pulmonary Embolism and Heart Strain

Considerable morbidity and mortality is associated with a massive pulmonary embolism (PE), and this diagnosis must be considered in the setting of chest pain, shortness of breath, or nonspecific symptoms in the hemodynamically unstable patient. Ultrasound can be used as part of an initial assessment within the emergency department, specifically evaluating for right ventricular enlargement or dysfunction. It has the added benefit of screening for other critical conditions, such as cardiac tamponade, that can mimic PE.