Guideline Video
Guideline Resources
- Pulmonary Embolism Reporting and Data System (PE-RADS) for the Diagnosis of Acute Pulmonary Embolism on CT and MR Angiography
- American College of Radiology
- July 21, 2026
- Summary
- Full-text
Video Transcription
Just published July 21st, 2026, the American College of Radiology’s newest pulmonary embolism reporting and data system for the Diagnosis of Acute Pulmonary Embolism on CT and MR Angiography.
The goal of the Pulmonary Embolism Reporting and Data System (PE-RADS) is to create a standard lexicon for the description of terms used for acute PE diagnosis at CT and MR angiography and to develop a structured, hierarchical reporting system that incorporates anatomic and accessory findings to classify clot location and right heart imaging features in acute PE and to assist in determining the cardiovascular status of the patient to inform next-step management.
In today’s rapid update, we’ll just be going over a summary, so for the full PE-RADS, make sure to check it out on guidelinecentral.com
Let’s get started.
Starting with the section on PE-RADS Ordinal Anatomic Grading
PE-RADS ordinal categories are based on the anatomic location of the most proximal thrombus. The grading are as follows:
- PE-RADS 0 = none
- PE-RADS 1 = Subsegmental
- PE-RADS 2 = Segmental
- PE-RADS 3 = Lobar or interlobar artery
- PE-RADS 4 = Central
Next the section on PE-RADS Assessment Categories
For each PE-RADS score, there are corresponding findings, management and referral considerations, and additional investigations specific to PE management. Right ventricle enlarged, thrombus positive, non-diagnostic, and limited statuses are also provided within the document.
- For PE-RADS score 0, no acute PE present. Acute PE is not the cause of the patient’s symptoms. Consider alternative diagnosis.
- For PE-RADS score 1, acute PE is present. Anticoagulation and bleeding risk. Assessment of clinical symptoms and VTE risk factors. Consider lower extremity venous imaging in isolated subsegmental PE to inform anticoagulation management and surveillance.
- For PE-RADS score 2, acute PE is present. Anticoagulation and bleeding risk. Assessment of clinical symptoms and VTE risk factors.
- For PE-RADS score 3, acute PE is present. Anticoagulation and bleeding risk. PE risk stratification.
- For PE-RADS score 4, acute PE is present. Anticoagulation and bleeding risk. PE risk stratification.
And there you have it. Make sure to check out the full document from the American College of Radiology and other related clinical decision support tools at guidelinecentral.com.
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