26th July 2024

A 24-year-old man was admitted to hospital for surgery after breaking his femur

A 24-year-old man was admitted to hospital for surgery after breaking his femur. He has no other medical history and was not on regular medication prior to admission. The surgery was successful and he was discharged home on prophylactic LMWH.

A week later, he develops shortness of breath and pleuritic chest pain.

Blood tests show: Hb 140 (120-150), Plt 72 (150-400), WCC 15 (4-11), Cr 70 (baseline 72), Ur 6 (baseline 6),  CRP 50 (<5).

What investigation is the most useful in diagnosing this patient?

Select the SINGLE most appropriate option from the list below. Select ONE option only.