Obligatory medical device diagnostics.
- X-ray of the thorax (radiographic thorax/chest), in two planes.
- Computed tomography of the thorax (thoracic CT) with CT angiography (imaging technique used to visualize blood vessels in the body)Localization finding: 63-100%; Cause finding: 60-77%.
Optional medical device diagnostics – depending on the results of the medical history, physical examination, laboratory diagnostics and mandatory medical device diagnostics – for differential diagnostic clarification.
- Bronchoscopy (pulmonary endoscopy) – if the cause is not clear by radiography of the chest or chest CT localization finding: 73-93%; cause finding: 2.5-8%.
- Gastroscopy (gastroscopy) – if bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract is suspected.
- Pulmonary ventilation/perfusion scintigraphy – for suspected pulmonary artery embolism.
- Echocardiography (echo; cardiac ultrasound) – for suspected structural heart disease.
- X-ray examination of the skull/neck/thorax (chest) – if fractures (broken bones) are suspected.
- Computed tomography (CT) of the skull/neck/thorax (chest) – if fractures (broken bones) are suspected.
- Long-term blood pressure measurement (24-hour blood pressure measurement) – if arterial hypertension (high blood pressure) is suspected.
