Imaging tests in the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism.

Semin Respir Crit Care Med

Department of Thrombosis and Haemostasis, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, Leiden, The Netherlands.

Published: April 2012

Imaging modalities play an essential role in diagnosing pulmonary embolism (PE). Clinical outcome studies demonstrated that PE can be safely ruled out in patients with unlikely clinical probability in combination with a normal D-dimer test result; in all other patients additional imaging is needed. The aim is to accurately confirm or rule out the diagnosis of PE, after which, if indicated, anticoagulant treatment can be initiated. Various diagnostic tests are available, and this article reviews the different imaging techniques in patients with suspected PE. Computed tomographic pulmonary angiography (CTPA) is the imaging test of choice because of its high sensitivity and specificity. Compression ultrasonography and ventilation perfusion scintigraphy are reserved for patients with concomitant suspicion of deep vein thrombosis or contraindication for CTPA. Furthermore the diagnostic process in patients with clinically suspected recurrent PE, PE during pregnancy, and PE in the elderly and in patients with malignancy are discussed.

Download full-text PDF

Source
http://dx.doi.org/10.1055/s-0032-1311792DOI Listing

Publication Analysis

Top Keywords

pulmonary embolism
8
patients
6
imaging
5
imaging tests
4
tests diagnosis
4
diagnosis pulmonary
4
embolism imaging
4
imaging modalities
4
modalities play
4
play essential
4

Similar Publications

Pulmonary embolism (PE), a form of venous thromboembolism, is a frequently observed complication in malignancies, with a notably high incidence in individuals with lung cancer. The presence of PE markedly reduces the quality of life and has a significant impact on the prognosis of those diagnosed with both lung cancer and PE. As a result, timely diagnosis and intervention are of paramount importance.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: Pediatric patients with Eosinophilic Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (EGPA) are at an increased risk of arterial and venous thromboembolism (AVTE). Although the exact mechanisms underlying AVTE remain unclear, eosinophils play a pivotal role in AVTE.

Main Body: Current guidelines lack evidence-based recommendations, particularly concerning anticoagulant and antiplatelet treatments for this condition.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Objective: Pulmonary embolism (PE) is the third leading cause of cardiovascular death. The objective of this study was to examine the current management of pulmonary embolism at a single academic institution.

Methods: With institutional review board approval, we conducted a retrospective chart review of 805 encounters among 775 patients presenting with acute PE from January 1, 2016 to June 30, 2019.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Want AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?

Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!