Acute pulmonary embolism: role of helical CT in 164 patients with intermediate probability at ventilation-perfusion scintigraphy and normal results at duplex US of the legs.

• DOI: 10.1148/radiology.205.2.9356628
• Publication Date: 2014-07-08T20:27:40Z
• Authors: G R Ferretti; J L Bosson; P D Buffaz; D Ayanian; C Pison; F Blanc; F Carpentier; P Carpentier; M Coulomb
• Keywords: Pulmonary angiography; Helical computed tomography; Duplex ultrasonography

PURPOSE: To assess prospectively the clinical effectiveness of helical computed tomography (CT) in evaluation patients with unresolved suspicion for pulmonary embolism (PE). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Helical CT was performed 164 consecutive suspected having acute PE, intermediate probability at ventilation-perfusion (V-P) scintigraphy, and normal findings duplex ultrasonography (US) legs. Fifteen also underwent angiography. results were analyzed immediately to help plan anticoagulant treatment. If did not show treatment indicated. Clinical outcome these assessed during 3-month follow-up. RESULTS: In 40 (24.4%) patients, diagnosis PE based on (n = 39) or angiography 1). Repeated Doppler US legs depicted one thrombus calf three that could have been responsible PE. During follow-up, experienced recurrent (one death, two recurrences). Therefore, occurred six (5.4% [95% confidence interval, 1.3%, 9.7%]) 112 who receive CONCLUSION: Findings allowed accurate V-P scintigraphy without deep venous thrombosis sonography