A systematic review and meta-analysis of diagnostic delay in pulmonary embolism
Rosanne van Maanen, Emmy M. Trinks-Roerdink, Frans H. Rutten, Geert‐Jan Geersing
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Diagnostic delay in patients with pulmonary embolism (PE) is typical, yet the proportion of patients with PE that experienced delay and for how many days is less well described, nor are determinants for such delay. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess the prevalence and extent of delay in diagnosing PE. METHODS: A systematic literature search was performed to identify articles reporting delays in diagnosing PE. The primary outcome was mean delay (in days) or a percentage of patients with diagnostic delay (defined as PE diagnosis more than seven days after symptom onset). The secondary outcome was determinants of delay. Random-effect meta-analyses were applied to calculate a pooled estimate for mean delay and to explore heterogeneity in subgroups. RESULTS: = 8), found a negative association with diagnostic delay of PE. CONCLUSION: Patients may have symptoms for almost one week before PE is diagnosed and in about a quarter of patients, the diagnostic delay is even longer.