PESI Score Calculator

PESI Score Calculator for Pulmonology. Original PESI class limits are <=65, 66-85, 86-105, 106-125 and >125. A low class does not alone authorize outpatient care; stability, right-heart findings, comorbidity, bleeding risk and practical follow-up must also be assessed.

For shared guidance on choosing a tool and documenting results, read the clinical calculator workflow.

How this calculator works

Original PESI adds age in years and ten weighted findings. Class limits are <=65, <=85, <=105, <=125 and >125. This is the original 11-variable score, not the six-variable simplified PESI.

When to use this calculator

Use a correctly identified prognostic tool only after acute PE is confirmed and within an integrated clinical assessment. Neither PESI version diagnoses PE.

Inputs used

  • Age (completed years)
  • Sex used by the original model
  • Cancer history
  • Heart failure history
  • Chronic lung disease
  • Pulse (/min)
  • Systolic pressure (mmHg)
  • Respiratory rate (/min)
  • Temperature (C)
  • Altered mental status
  • Arterial oxygen saturation (%)

Clinical interpretation

Original PESI class limits are <=65, 66-85, 86-105, 106-125 and >125. A low class does not alone authorize outpatient care; stability, right-heart findings, comorbidity, bleeding risk and practical follow-up must also be assessed.

Worked example

Fictional teaching case. Age (completed years): 68; Sex used by the original model: Male; Cancer history: No; Heart failure history: No; Chronic lung disease: No; Pulse (/min): 110; Systolic pressure (mmHg): 100; Respiratory rate (/min): 20; Temperature (C): 37; Altered mental status: No; Arterial oxygen saturation (%): 95. Result: 98 points. Original PESI class III. Contributions in assessment order: 68 + 10 + 0 + 0 + 0 + 20 + 0 + 0 + 0 + 0 + 0 = 98. This is a risk estimate, not a diagnosis, a personal survival prediction, or an automatic treatment/discharge decision. Assess hemodynamics, right-heart injury, comorbidity and outpatient feasibility separately.

Limitations and safety notes

Use after an adult PE diagnosis, not to estimate pretest probability. Low PESI alone does not establish suitability for home treatment. Original study outcome was all-cause 30-day mortality, not a guaranteed individual outcome.

Frequently asked questions

Is this simplified PESI?

No. This tool computes the original 11-variable weighted PESI total and class. The six-variable simplified PESI is a separate model and its point totals are not interchangeable.

References

  • Original Aujesky derivation, Table 2 eleven predictors, exact points and class limits. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2718410/
  • 2026 multisociety PE guideline identity and scope; scoring does not replace integrated clinical assessment. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41712677/

Editorial review and citation methodology

Maintained by the Quick Medical Calculator Editorial Team. Content record date: September 9, 2026. A content date is not evidence of independent clinical review. Individual clinical sign-off is not recorded on this page.

  • Prefer original validation studies for scoring systems and prediction tools.
  • Use current specialty society guidance, transplant allocation policy, public health guidance, or regulator resources when they govern clinical use.
  • Include limitations and safety notes when a calculator is population-specific, context-dependent, or unsuitable as a standalone decision tool.

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