Evaluating the association of acute pulmonary embolism CT index with the probability of chronic pulmonary embolism through lung scintigraphy (V/Q Scan)

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the relation between CT pulmonary angiography (CTPA) index for the pulmonary embolism with possible future CTEPH occurrence. Material & Methods: In this case series, 475 patients (279 males and 195 females) with acute pulmonary embolism diagnosis, who accepted at Tabriz Imam Reza hospital, CTPA was performed and CT scores (Qanadli score) were calculated. After discharge from the hospital, in patients suspected of chronic embolism (due to signs or symptoms), for further review, echocardiography and in cases with pulmonary hypertension, ventilation-perfusion (VQ) scan was performed and the presence of CTEPH was reported. Finally, in CTEPH patients and asymptpmatic and unaffected patients, were compared with CT scores. Results: Mean age of patients was 58.59 ± 16.57 years and the mean CT score was 13.01 ± 7.37. In these patients, provoked embolism was observed in 191 patients (51.9%), and the most common cause was surgery. In the majority of patients (66.2%), embolism was observed bilaterally. During the follow-up, 67(14.1%) patients, because of the inability to follow and or because of underlying disease such as left heart valvular disease, COPD, and chronic embolus, were excluded and final review with 408 patient was performed. For 24 patients (5.9%), CTEPH was diagnosed. Of these 24 patients, 8 were male (33.3%) and 15 were female (62.5%). The mean age was 53.92 ± 16.96 years in patients with CTEPH and 58.58 ± 16.52 years in 384 patients without this condition. Mean CT score was 16.05 ± 7.42 in patients with CTEPH and 12.85 ± 5.69 in patients without it, that is greater but it was not ststistically significant (P= 0.53).