In this episode, we review venous thromboembolism (VTE) and pulmonary embolism (PE) with a focus on what medical students need to know for shelf exams and the emergency medicine clerkship. Using key concepts from Tintinalli’s Emergency Medicine, we cover the epidemiology, risk factors, and pathophysiology of PE, along with the classic and atypical clinical presentations you may encounter in the emergency department.

We walk through a step-by-step diagnostic approach, including clinical gestalt, the PERC rule, Wells score, and age-adjusted D-dimer, and discuss when to use imaging such as CT pulmonary angiography and V/Q scanning. We also review important physical exam findings for DVT, ECG clues, and high-yield radiographic signs. Finally, we cover the basics of treatment, including anticoagulation, indications for thrombolysis, and when patients may require hospitalization.

This episode is designed to reinforce high-yield concepts for exams and clinical rotations, while helping students build a practical framework for evaluating suspected PE in the emergency department.