Pulmonary Embolism (PE) is one of the
major causes of unspecified chest pain. Statistics presented by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicate as many as 900,000 people could be affected by DVT/PE. Further, estimates suggest that 60,000 – 100,000 Americans die each year.

 

Diagnosis of a PE is difficult, as the symptoms are similar to many other conditions. Pulse oximetry and arterial blood gas measurements can provide indirect evidence.  Chest X-Ray is often used to eliminate other potential causes. VQ scans and computed tomography are more direct methods of diagnosis, with pulmonary angiography being a definitive test.

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Fibroscint could provide a rapid, simple procedure for acute diagnosis of PE when a patient presents at the ER with chest pains.