Bedside End-tidal CO2 Tension as a Screening Tool to Exclude Pulmonary Embolism

End tidal carbon dioxide tension (P(ET,CO(2))) is a surrogate for dead space ventilation which may be useful in the evaluation of pulmonary embolism (PE). We aimed to define the optimal P(ET,CO(2)) level to exclude PE in patients evaluated for possible thromboembolism.