Bova Score for Pulmonary Embolism Complications
Risk stratification tool for intermediate-risk (haemodynamically stable) PE patients. Identifies those at risk of PE-related complications and death within 30 days.
Score interpretation
Bova stage I (0–2) — 30-day PE-related complications (death, haemodynamic collapse or recurrent PE) 4.2%
→ Standard anticoagulation; LMWH or DOAC; early discharge feasible; outpatient therapy if haemodynamically stable
Bova stage II (3–4) — 30-day PE-related complications 10.8%
→ Hospital admission; close monitoring; consider escalated therapy (advanced imaging, catheter-directed thrombolysis evaluation)
Bova stage III (> 4) — 30-day PE-related complications 29.2%
→ ICU/HDU; urgent cardiology/respiratory review; consider systemic thrombolysis or catheter-directed therapy; haemodynamic monitoring
Interpretation bands for the Bova Score. Apply clinical judgement and local guidance.
References
- Bova C, Sanchez O, Prandoni P, et al. Identification of intermediate-risk patients with acute symptomatic pulmonary embolism. Eur Respir J. 2014;44(3):694–703.
Related
Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.
- Composite Pulmonary Embolism Shock (CPES) Score · Pulmonary Embolism
- Pulmonary Embolism Severity Index (PESI) · Pulmonary Embolism
- YEARS Algorithm for Pulmonary Embolism · Pulmonary Embolism
- Wells' Criteria for Pulmonary Embolism · Pulmonary Embolism
- Revised Geneva Score for Pulmonary Embolism · Pulmonary Embolism
- Pulmonary Embolism Severity Index (PESI) -- Full Version · Pulmonary Embolism
- Nitric Oxide (Inhaled — iNO) · Selective Pulmonary Vasodilator
- Alteplase (STEMI Thrombolysis) · Thrombolytic / STEMI
- Streptokinase (STEMI Thrombolysis) · Thrombolytic / STEMI
- Selexipag · Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
- Macitentan · Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
- Tenecteplase (Stroke) · Stroke Thrombolysis
- Acute Asthma in Adults · BTS/SIGN British Guideline on Asthma 2019; NICE NG80
- Pulmonary Embolism Assessment · NICE NG158; ESC 2019 PE Guidelines
- Acute Exacerbation of COPD (AECOPD) · NICE NG115; GOLD 2024
- Spontaneous Pneumothorax (Adult) · BTS Pleural Disease 2023
- Atypical Pneumonia (Legionella / Mycoplasma / Chlamydophila) · BTS 2023; IDSA
- COPD Exacerbation Management · NICE NG115 / GOLD 2024
Decision support only — verify against a current formulary, NICE, or your local guideline before clinical use.
