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Table 2 Frequency of normal arterial blood gas tests in patients with and without pulmonary embolism (PE) who had no prior cardiopulmonary disease (CPD)

From: Diagnostic value of gas exchange tests in patients with clinical suspicion of pulmonary embolism

 

Prior CPD (n = 364)

No prior CPD (n = 409)

 

PE present

PE absent

PE present

PE absent

 

n

%

n

%

n

%

n

%

P(A–a)O2 < 20 mmHg

20/151

13

40/213

19

17/161

11

34/248

14

PaO2 > 80 mmHg

25/151

17

45/213

21

17/161

11*

48/248

19

PaCO2 > 35 mmHg

54/151

36*

103/213

48

56/161

35

101/248

41

  1. *Significant difference (P < 0.05) versuspatients without PE.