Interpretation
| Result | Meaning |
|---|---|
| ≤ 4 | PE unlikely: D-dimer |
| > 4 | PE likely: CTPA |
| < 2 / 2–6 / > 6 | Three-tier: low / moderate / high |
Formula
Clinical DVT signs 3 · PE most likely diagnosis 3 · HR > 100: 1.5 · immobilization ≥ 3 d or surgery < 4 wk 1.5 · previous DVT/PE 1.5 · hemoptysis 1 · malignancy 1
Clinical pearls
- In "PE unlikely" patients, apply PERC first if gestalt is low; age-adjusted D-dimer (age × 10 µg/L over 50) reduces imaging.
- "PE most likely diagnosis" is subjective and drives most of the score; inter-rater agreement is modest.
Examples
wells pe tachycardic, leg swelling, pe most likelywells score for pe in a patient with cancer and hemoptysis, hr 90, no dvt signspe probability post-op day 10 hr 110 prior dvt
FAQ
What Wells score means PE is likely?
A score above 4 classifies PE as likely, and CT pulmonary angiography is recommended; 4 or less is PE unlikely and a D-dimer is done first.
Can a negative D-dimer rule out PE?
Yes in patients classified as PE unlikely (Wells ≤4); not in those with PE likely, who need imaging.