Management strategies usually consist of a number of diagnostic tests. It is generally accepted that pulmonary angiography should be reserved for patients in whom the non-invasive techniques fail to yield a definitive diagnosis.

The clinical findings largely determine which strategy should be employed. In massive PE, echocardiography can play a significant role. In sub-massive PE, echocardiography may be of interest, but further studies need to be awaited. In non-massive PE, several strategies may be employed using many (or even all!) of the diagnostic tests.