1 rich Libsyn https://www.libsyn.com 90 600 Author: Don Stader, M.D. Educational Pearls: &amp;nbsp; Pulmonary embolism is one of the leading causes of maternal mortality. There is disagreement among different medical societies about the value of D-dimer as a screening modality. If you use it, consider the rational D-dimer approach whereby you add 250 to your cut-off for every trimester. A useful screening modality is an ultrasound of bilateral lower extremities looking for DVT. Keep in mind, both a V/Q scan and CT scan have a significant amount of radiation. CTA is probably the right diagnostic test (less radiation than CT w&amp;amp;w/o). Always use the shared decision-making model and clinical acumen to choose your tests. &amp;nbsp; References: Leung AN, et. al. (2011). An official American Thoracic Society/Society of Thoracic Radiology clinical practice guideline: evaluation of suspected pulmonary embolism in pregnancy. American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine. 184(10):1200-8 &amp;nbsp; Polak JF, Wilkinson DL. (1991). Ultrasonographic diagnosis of symptomatic deep venous thrombosis in pregnancy. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. 165(3):625-9. Sachs BP, et. al. (1987). Maternal mortality in Massachusetts. Trends and prevention. New England Journal of Medicine. 316(11):667-72. Emergency Medical Minute https://www.emergencymedicalminute.com <iframe title="Libsyn Player" style="border: none" src="//html5-player.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/6510168/height/90/theme/custom/thumbnail/yes/direction/forward/render-playlist/no/custom-color/fa102a/" height="90" width="600" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen oallowfullscreen msallowfullscreen></iframe> https://assets.libsyn.com/secure/content/20560985