Wells' Criteria for Pulmonary Embolism

About Wells' Criteria for PE

The Wells' Criteria for Pulmonary Embolism is a risk stratification score used to estimate the pre-test probability of acute pulmonary embolism in patients in whom PE is considered a diagnostic possibility.

Interpretation (Three-Tier Model)

• Low Risk (Score < 2): 1.3% probability of PE. Consider D-dimer rule out.
• Moderate Risk (Score 2-6): 16.2% probability of PE. Consider D-dimer or CTA depending on sensitivity.
• High Risk (Score > 6): 40.6% probability of PE. CT Angiogram is recommended (skip D-dimer).

Interpretation (Two-Tier Model)

• PE Unlikely (Score ≤ 4): 12.1% incidence. High-sensitivity D-dimer is recommended.
• PE Likely (Score > 4): 37.1% incidence. CT Angiogram is recommended.