Using ultrasound to predict outcomes in emergency patients with pulmonary embolism

Point-of-Care Ultrasound in Predicting Adverse Outcomes in Emergency Department Patients With Acute Pulmonary Embolism

WellSpan Health · NCT05050617

This study is testing whether using ultrasound in the emergency room can help doctors predict how well patients with pulmonary embolism will do in the short term.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment250 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorWellSpan Health (other)
Locations1 site (York, Pennsylvania)
Trial IDNCT05050617 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study examines how point-of-care echocardiography can predict short-term adverse outcomes in emergency department patients diagnosed with acute pulmonary embolism. The primary focus is on assessing the diagnostic performance of ultrasound-guided measures of right ventricular dilation and strain. Additionally, the study will explore the effectiveness of combining these ultrasound measures with the pulmonary embolism severity index (PESI) score to enhance outcome predictions. By identifying at-risk patients, the study aims to improve treatment decisions regarding hospitalization or outpatient care.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 and older who have been diagnosed with acute pulmonary embolism confirmed by CT imaging.

Not a fit: Patients under 18 years of age, those unable to provide informed consent, or individuals with a prior diagnosis of pulmonary embolism may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to more accurate predictions of adverse outcomes in pulmonary embolism patients, potentially allowing for safer outpatient treatment options.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using ultrasound for predicting outcomes in pulmonary embolism, but this specific approach combining echocardiography with PESI is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age \>= 18 years of age
* ED diagnosis of acute pulmonary embolism with identification on CT imaging

Exclusion Criteria:

* Age \<18 years of age
* Inability to provide informed consent
* Incarceration
* Current PE previously diagnosed prior to index ED visit

Where this trial is running

York, Pennsylvania

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Pulmonary Embolism

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.