Defining the role of helical computerised tomography (CT) in the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism (PE)

This is a controversial issue, which has recently been the subject of a comprehensive literature review. Rathbun et al., have drawn attention to the ideal criteria for adequately evaluating sensitivity, specificity and clinical reliability of a new technology such as helical CT. These criteria include the study of large consecutive series of patients with suspected pulmonary embolism (PE), the use of both helical CT and an acceptable gold standard, usually pulmonary angiography, in all patients, and blinded reading of both the CT data and the gold standard reference technique. The importance, before widespread clinical acceptance, of adequate follow-up data on outcomes, particularly following negative studies is emphasised. Copyright (2000) The Australasian College of Physicians