Guidance for the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism during pregnancy: Consensus and controversies

Abstract

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is one of the leading causes of maternal mortality despite a low incidence of PE during pregnancy. Several challenges surround the diagnosis of PE in pregnant women and the existing clinical guidelines provide weak recommendations on selecting the appropriate investigations for suspected PE in pregnancy. The purpose of this narrative review is to compare and contrast the recommendations of current clinical guidelines and review the evidence underpinning the recommendations on the evaluation of suspected PE in pregnancy. Consensus and controversies, knowledge gaps and areas requiring further research will be highlighted.

Keywords: Deep vein thrombosis; Pregnancy; Pulmonary embolism; Venous thromboembolism.