Editor's Capsule Summary
What is already known on this topic
Use of imaging to rule out pulmonary embolism and acute coronary syndrome has increased during the past decade.
What question this study addressed
Estimates of radiation dose received by patients at less than 2.5% risk of pulmonary embolism or acute coronary syndrome and how often these patients receive a diagnosis of pulmonary embolism or acute coronary syndrome.
What this study adds to our knowledge
In a prospective cohort study of 840 patients, one quarter had less than 2.5% risk of pulmonary embolism and acute coronary syndrome and none had the diagnosis, but the average patient received an estimated 3.5 mSv of radiation.
How this is relevant to clinical practice
This study suggests that patients at less than 2.5% risk of pulmonary embolism or acute coronary syndrome may be able to safely forgo imaging, thereby reducing radiation exposure by 3.5 mSv. Whether this has long-term benefit to patients remains to be determined.