EVALUATION OF THE THORACIC COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY TECHNIQUE IN THE DIAGNOSIS OF PULMONARY EMBOLISM AT THE LUXEMBOURG MOTHER AND CHILD UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL IN BAMAKO

Abstract

Introduction: The aim of our study was to evaluate the technique of thoracic computed tomography in the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism at the University Hospital Mère-Enfant le Luxembourg in Bamako. Materials and Methods: This was a descriptive, prospective, cross-sectional study from 1 February to 30 April 2021, a period of 3 months. All patients of any age and sex referred to the radiology department for thoracic computed tomographywho had completed the administrative formalities and agreed to take part in the study, were included in our study. The size of our sample was 46 patients. Data were collected using individual survey forms prepared with the Epi. Info. Version 7.2 tool and filled in on the basis of examination bulletins completed by questioning the patient or accompanying person. Results: At the end of our study in the medical imaging department of the University Hospital Mère-Enfant le Luxembourg in Bamako, the prevalence of pulmonary embolism was 30%. The physical and psychological preparation was 100%, the venous route of the back of the hand with catheter ≤ 20G was the most used 56.52%, the means of restraint were used to 71.7%. Apnoea after deep inspiration of the patient without Valsalva was 84.78%, the automatic 3D reconstruction filter was used in 100% of examinations. The most commonly used PCI was telebris35 (63%) and 45.7% of examinations (n=21) were performed with a volume of 90ml of PCI with an injection rate of 3.5ml/s, i.e. 56.5%. The automatic injector was used in 100% of the examinations, then 81% of the examinations in adults compared with 100% in children (n=4) were performed with a PDL greater than the NRD but neither children nor adults had benefited from any means of radiation protection during the examination. The success rate for a single scan without revision was 52.2%, and the success rate for an examination with good vascular opacification was 95.7%. Conclusion: Thoracic angiography is a key examination in the etiological assessment of pulmonary embolism. It was in high demand during our study period because of the COVID-19 pandemic. In short, thoracic pathologies are becoming increasingly common. The most frequent reason was the onset of pain. However, an early diagnosis is essential for a better prognosis. Angioscan remains the reference examination for vascular pathologies such as pulmonary embolism.