PISAPED criteria for diagnosis of pulmonary embolus
The PISAPED criteria for the diagnosis of pulmonary embolus indicate the presence or absence of pulmonary emboli based on findings on perfusion scintigraphy (only the Q portion of the V/Q scan) in combination with chest radiography. The criteria were validated in the Prospective Investigative Study of Acute Pulmonary Embolism Diagnosis, abbreviated to PISAPED . Compared to perfusion-only modified PIOPED II interpretation criteria, PISAPED is simpler, eliminates non-diagnostic readings, and may have higher interobserver agreement .
Criteria
Pulmonary embolism present
- one or more wedge-shaped perfusion defects
Pulmonary embolism absent
- no perfusion defects of any kind
- perfusion defects other than wedge-shaped
- perfusion defects smaller or equal in size and shape to the following radiographic abnormalities:
