Computed Tomography Pulmonary Angiography Research Articles

Automatic detection of pulmonary embolism on computed tomography pulmonary angiogram scan using a three-dimensional convolutional neural network

ObjectiveTo propose a convolutional neural network (EmbNet) for automatic pulmonary embolism detection on computed tomography pulmonary angiogram (CTPA) scans and to assess its diagnostic performance. Methods305 consecutive CTPA scans between January 2019 and December 2021 were enrolled in this study (142 for training, 163 for internal validation), and 250 CTPA scans from a public dataset were used for external validation. The framework comprised a preprocessing step to segment the pulmonary vessels and the EmbNet to detect emboli. Emboli were divided into three location-based subgroups for detailed evaluation: central arteries, lobar branches, and peripheral regions. Ground truth was established by three radiologists. ResultsThe EmbNet’s per-scan level sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value were 90.9%, 75.4%, 48.4%, and 97.0% (internal validation) and 88.0%, 70.5%, 42.7%, and 95.9% (external validation). At the per-embolus level, the overall sensitivity and PPV of the EmbNet were 86.0% and 61.3% (internal validation), and 83.5% and 57.5% (external validation). The sensitivity and PPV of central emboli were 89.7% and 52.0% (internal validation), and 94.4% and 43.0% (external validation); of lobar emboli were 95.2% and 76.9% (internal validation), and 93.5% and 72.5% (external validation); and of peripheral emboli were 82.6% and 61.7% (internal validation), and 80.2% and 59.4% (external validation). The average false positive rate was 0.45 false emboli per scan (internal validation) and 0.69 false emboli per scan (external validation). ConclusionThe EmbNet provides high sensitivity across embolus locations, suggesting its potential utility for initial screening in clinical practice.

Metastatic right atrial mass in the presence of atrial septal defect: A rare clinical coincidence

Key Clinical MessageThe key takeaway from this clinical scenario is to choose the most appropriate and reasonable treatment plan when dealing with a patient who has atrial septal defect (ASD) and concurrent atrial and mediastinal masses. In such cases, a heart‐oncology team should make the therapeutic decision.AbstractRight atrial masses are not pretty rare and might be a diagnostic challenge. Thrombosis, tumors, and vegetations are primary differential diagnoses. Workup for these masses usually includes multimodality imaging and biopsy in selected cases. We report a case of a 37‐year‐old lady who presented with cough, dyspnea, and head and neck swelling after a cesarean section. Echocardiography revealed a right atrial mass accompanied by a secundum type atrial septal defect (ASD). Pulmonary CT Angiography was performed, in which a lobulated mass in the anterior mediastinum was detected, and a heart‐oncology team made the therapeutic decision. The patient was scheduled for surgical ASD closure and concomitant tissue biopsy. The pathology results were in favor of poorly differentiated germ cell tumors, and chemotherapy was started following the surgery. After two sessions of chemotherapy, the tumor did not respond to the primary regimen. Thus, an updated regimen was initiated. Compliance with the updated regimen was acceptable, and the patient is currently under treatment and follow‐up.

Chest non‑contrasted computed tomography in detecting acute pulmonary thromboembolism: A single‑center retrospective study.

The object of the study was to evaluate comprehensively the value of chest non-contrasted CT (NC-CT) in detecting acute pulmonary thromboembolism (APE). All patients were categorized into two groups: i) With APE; and ii) without APE based on clinical diagnosis. Using the clot distribution on computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA), APE was divided into central and peripheral APE. Imaging features including hyperdense lumen sign and peripheral wedge-shaped opacity on chest NC-CT were evaluated. The attenuation value of peripheral wedge-shaped opacity on NC-CT was compared between patients with and without APE. Among the 273 patients, there were 110 patients with APE, 49 patients with central APE and 61 patients with peripheral APE and 163 patients without APE. The hyperdense lumen sign had a sensitivity of 30.0% and a specificity of 97.6% in detecting APE. The sensitivity and specificity of hyperdense lumen sign in detecting central APE were 57.1 and 97.6%, respectively, while the relevant percentages in detecting peripheral APE were 8.2 and 97.6%, respectively. The mean attenuation value of peripheral wedge-shaped opacity in patients with APE was significantly lower than that in patients without APE (P<0.001). Regarding the age-adjusted D-dimer, there was a decrease of eight D-dimer positive cases for patients >50 years old without APE, confirmed by CTPA. In conclusion, chest NC-CT cannot be used as an alternative modality for CTPA in diagnosing APE, however, the hyperdense lumen sign had high specificity in the diagnosis of central APE. Patients with this symptom and increased D-dimer may not require further CTPA. The lower attenuation value of peripheral wedge-shaped opacity on NC-CT suggested APE, and CTPA confirmation was required. The age-adjusted D-dimer had higher specificity in excluding APE.

Agreement Between Transthoracic Echocardiography and Computed Tomography Pulmonary Angiography for Detection of Right Ventricular Dysfunction in Pulmonary Embolism.

Right ventricular dysfunction (RVD) is the main determinant of mortality in patients with pulmonary embolism (PE). Thus, guidelines recommend the assessment of RVD with transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) or computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA) among these patients. In this study, we investigated the agreement between TTE and CTPA for the detection of RVD. This single-center retrospective study included patients who were diagnosed with CTPA and underwent TTE within the first 24 hours following the diagnosis. Two hundred fifty-eight patients met the inclusion criteria. In 71.3% (184) of them, CTPA and TTE agreed on both the presence and absence of RVD. There was a moderate agreement between the 2 tests (Cohen's kappa = 0.404, P <.001). The agreement between right ventricle dysfunction on TTE and the increased right ventricle/left ventricle (RV/LV) on CTPA was fair (Cohen's kappa = 0.388, P <.001). Three patients died due to PE, and another 5 patients required urgent reperfusion therapy. Overall, adverse outcomes occurred in 4% (8) of patients. The sensitivity of modalities in the detection of adverse outcomes was 100%. Transthoracic echocardiography was more specific compared to CTPA (43% vs. 28%). Statistically, flattening/bulging of the interventricular septum on TTE was significantly associated with adverse outcomes. No individual CTPA parameter was related to adverse outcomes. Both CTPA and TTE are reliable imaging modalities in the detection of RVD. However, TTE is more specific, and this may help in the identification and appropriate management of patients at higher risk of decompensation. A combination of CTPA parameters rather than individual RV/LV ratios increases the sensitivity of CTPA.

Association between pre-treatment computed tomography findings and post-treatment persistent decrease in lung perfusion blood volume

The purpose of this study was to evaluate pre-treatment CT findings in patients with acute pulmonary embolism (PE) and determine the imaging findings associated with residual hypoperfused segments in post-treatment lung perfused blood volume (LPBV). We evaluated 91 patients with acute PE who underwent dual-energy CT before and after treatment. The location of thrombi (proximal or distal) and patency of the pulmonary artery (occlusive or non-occlusive) were recorded using pre-treatment computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA). Residual hypoperfusion was defined as a perfusion-decreased area seen in both the pre- and post-treatment LPBVs. The association of the location of the thrombus and vascular patency of pre-treatment CTPA with residual hypoperfusion on a segmental and patient basis was examined. In the segment-based analysis, the proportion of residual hypoperfusion in the proximal group was significantly higher than that in the peripheral group (33/125 [26.4%] vs. 9/87 [10.3%], P = 0.004). Patient-based analysis also showed that the proportion of residual hypoperfusion in patients with pre-treatment proximal thrombus was significantly higher than those without (16/42 [38.1%] vs. 3/25 (12.0%); P = 0.022). Pre-treatment vascular patency was not significantly associated with residual hypoperfusion (P > 0.05). Therefore, careful follow-up is necessary, especially in patients with proximal thrombi.

Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension in acute pulmonary embolism: a risk factor evaluation study

Aims: Pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) is a highly mortal disease, defined by presence of thrombus partially or completely obstructing pulmonary arteries and/or veins, commonly originated from deep venous system. Chronic thrombroembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is a rare complication of PTE with high mortality if not treated properly. In recent studies, incidence of CTEPH was found between %0,4-9,1. Due to clinically silent PTE in roughly %50 of patients, it is difficult to pinpoint the exact incidence of CTEPH. In this study, we aim to investigate PTE patients during their long-term follow up to observe CTEPH presence and evaluate CTEPH risk factors. Methods: Patients who had been evaluated in emergency service and/or admitted to pulmonary medicine ward between January 2014 and January 2017 with PTE diagnosis confirmed by computed tomography pulmonary angiogram (CTPA) were accepted retrospectively into the study. Their echocardiography, CTPA and lower extremity venous Doppler ultrasonography at 3., 6. and 12. months follow up were also included. In the patient group with pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP ) above 50 mmHg and residual thrombosis at CTPA, ventilation-perfusion scintigraphy had been performed and was added to the study. Among those suitable for CTEPH, right cardiac catheterization had been done to confirm the diagnosis and accepted as CTEPH. In addition to this group, patients who were not found suitable for right cardiac catheterization but wereclinically suitable for CTEPH are also included in the CTEPH group. Results: Average age of patients included into the study was 62(±16, 5), with 71 (%39) being male and 111 (%61) female. As for risk factors, 130 (%71,4) had acquired, 16 (%8,8) had genetic and the rest 36 (%19,8) did not have any prominent risk factors. At time of diagnosis, 10 patients were accepted as massive, 26 as sub massive and the rest 139 were considered non-massive PTE. Due to hemodynamic instability, 7 (%3,8) patients were given thrombolytic therapy. During 1 year follow-up, 5 (%2,7) patients were diagnosed with CTPH. When further investigation was performed on these 5 patients, atrial fibrillation (AF), persistent thrombosis at 12. month follow up CTPA and PAP above 55 mmHg upon time of diagnosis were found significant risk factors (p being 0,001/0,023/0,009 respectively). In multivariate analysis, no independent predictive factors were found in regards to CTEPH diagnosis. Conclusion: CTEPH is a preventable complication of PTE with severe mortality and morbidity if not properly treated. It might prove useful to utilize echocardiography and CTPA together, especially in those in high risk groups, for diagnosis of patients in early stage of CTEPH with no evident signs or symptoms.

CT venography for the diagnosis of postpartum venous thromboembolism: a prospective multi-center cohort study.

To assess the role of CT venography (CTV) in the diagnosis of venous thromboembolism (VTE) during the postpartum period. This multicenter prospective cohort study was conducted between April 2016 and April 2020 in 14 university hospitals. All women referred for CT pulmonary angiography (CTPA) for suspected pulmonary embolism (PE) within the first 6 weeks postpartum were eligible. All CTPAs were performed on multidetector CT machines with the usual parameters and followed by CTV of the abdomen, pelvis, and proximal lower limbs. On-site reports were compared to expert consensus reading, and the added value of CTV was assessed for both. The final study population consisted of 123 women. On-site CTPA reports mentioned PE in seven women (7/123, 5.7%), all confirmed following expert consensus reading, three involving proximal pulmonary arteries and four limited to distal arteries. Positive CTV was reported on-site in nine women, five of whom had negative and two indeterminate CTPAs, bringing the VTE detection rate to 11.4% (14/123) (95%CI: 6.4-18.4, p = 0.03). Expert consensus reading confirmed all positive on-site CTV results, but detected a periuterine vein thrombosis in an additional woman who had a negative CTPA, increasing the VTE detection rate to 12.2% (15/123) (95%CI: 7.0-19.3, p = 0.008). Follow-up at 3 months revealed no adverse events in this woman, who was left untreated. Median Dose-Length-Product was 117 mGy.cm for CTPA and 675 mGy.cm for CTPA + CTV. Performing CTV in women suspected of postpartum PE doubles the detection of venous thromboembolism, at the cost of increased radiation exposure. CTV can help in the decision-making process concerning curative anticoagulation in women with suspected postpartum PE, particularly those whose CTPA results are indeterminate or whose PE is limited to the subsegmental level. Postpartum women are at risk of pulmonary embolism, and CT pulmonary angiography can give equivocal results. CT venography (CTV) positivity increased the venous thromboembolism detection rate from 5.7 to 11.4%. CTV may help clinical decision-making, especially in women with indeterminate CTPA results or subsegmental emboli.

Pediatric pulmonary embolism: Unveiling clinical manifestations, diagnostic challenges, and outcomes in Southwest China

AbstractPulmonary embolism (PE) leads to obstruction of pulmonary circulation, resulting in increased pulmonary vascular resistance, elevated pulmonary arterial pressure, and increased right heart load. In severe cases, it can lead to cardiac decompensation and life‐threatening conditions. However, clinical studies on PE in children are limited, with many diagnostic and treatment guidelines derived from adult populations. We retrospectively analyzed the clinical manifestations, risk factors, co‐morbidity, and outcomes of PE patients admitted to a large children's hospital in southwest China. A total of 24 children with PE participated, 9 boys (37.5%), aged 0.1–14.6, (median: 8.15 years old). Except for two asymptomatic cases, the duration from symptom onset to the diagnosis of PE varied from 2 to 45 days (median: 12 days). Among these children, 13 (54.2%) patients experienced a delayed diagnosis exceeding 10 days. A total of 7 children died from underlying diseases, and no one met the outcome of recurrent PE or PE‐related death. Among the 17 survivors, complete resolution of PE was in 11 (64.7%) children, partial resolution who progressed to chronic PE was in 3 (17.7%) children, and no follow‐up computed tomography pulmonary angiography was performed in the remaining 3 (17.7%) children. This study revealed that the majority of pediatric PE cases presented with respiratory symptoms, with a considerable proportion initially misdiagnosed as pneumonia, and emphasized the importance of early recognition and appropriate management strategies in improving outcomes for the affected children. Further research is warranted to elucidate the pathophysiology, refine diagnostic algorithms, and establish standardized treatment protocols tailored to the pediatric population.

Pulmonary embolism versus pulmonary vasculitis in Hughes-Stovin syndrome: Characteristic computed tomography pulmonary angiographic findings and diagnostic and therapeutic implications. HSS International Study Group

Background and aimHughes-Stovin syndrome (HSS) is a rare systemic vasculitis with widespread venous/arterial thrombosis and pulmonary vasculitis. Distinguishing between pulmonary embolism (PE) and in-situ thrombosis in the early stages of HSS is challenging. The aim of the study is to compare clinical, laboratory, and computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA) characteristics in patients diagnosed with PE versus those with HSS. MethodsThis retrospective study included 40 HSS patients with complete CTPA studies available, previously published by the HSS study group, and 50 patients diagnosed with PE from a single center. Demographics, clinical and laboratory findings, vascular thrombotic events, were compared between both groups. The CTPA findings were reviewed, with emphasis on the distribution, adherence to the mural wall, pulmonary infarction, ground glass opacification, and intra-alveolar hemorrhage. Pulmonary artery aneurysms (PAAs) in HSS were assessed and classified. ResultsThe mean age of HSS patients was 35 ± 12.3 years, in PE 58.4 ± 17 (p < 0.0001). Among PE 39(78 %) had co-morbidities, among HSS none. In contrast to PE, in HSS both major venous and arterial thrombotic events are seen.. Various patterns of PAAs were observed in the HSS group, which were entirely absent in PE. Parenchymal hemorrhage was also more frequent in HSS compared to PE (P < 0.001). ConclusionMajor vascular thrombosis with arterial aneurysms formation are characteristic of HSS. PE typically appear loosely-adherent and mobile whereas “in-situ thrombosis” seen in HSS is tightly-adherent to the mural wall. Mural wall enhancement and PAAs are distinctive pulmonary findings in HSS. The latter findings have significant therapeutic ramifications.

Investigation in image quality and immediate patient safety using pre-dual-flow injection for low-contrast dose spectral pulmonary artery CT angiography

PurposeThe patient safety of iodine contrast-enhanced pulmonary artery CT angiography (CTPA) is widely concerned. This study aimed to investigate the image quality and immediate patient safety of spectral CTPA using a lower-contrast dose pre-dual-flow injection method. MethodsThis retrospective study included 120 patients with suspected pulmonary embolisms who received spectral CTPA between February and December 2022. Patients were divided into normal contrast injection (Group A, n=60) and pre-dual-flow group (Group B, n=60). CT values of pulmonary arteries (PAs) at different levels, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), arteriovenous separation performance, and beam hardening artifact (BHA) index of two sets of images were measured or calculated. The subjective image quality and immediate patient safety were also scored using the three-point method. ResultsGroup B had a contrast dose reduction by 42.5 % (60 vs. 34.5 mL). Radiation exposure dose was not statistically different between the two groups (P>0.05). CT values of different-level PAs on group B images were higher than those on group A images (P<0.05). Group B images had higher SNR and CNR, better arteriovenous separation between PA trunk and pulmonary vein, and lower BHA index on soft tissue and PA (all P<0.05). For subjective evaluation of image quality, group B had a better score in beam hardening artifact (P<0.05). For immediate patient safety, the score in comfortability was statistically higher in group B, with P<0.05. ConclusionsComparing with the normal injection method, pre-dual-flow spectral CTPA with a lower contrast dose injected results in better image quality and shows potential in patient-safety promotion.

New Diagnostic Tools for Pulmonary Embolism Detection.

The presentation of pulmonary embolism (PE) varies from asymptomatic to life-threatening, and management involves multiple specialists. Timely diagnosis of PE is based on clinical presentation, D-dimer testing, and computed tomography pulmonary angiogram (CTPA), and assessment by a Pulmonary Embolism Response Team (PERT) is critical to management. Artificial intelligence (AI) technology plays a key role in the PE workflow with automated detection and flagging of suspected PE in CTPA imaging. HIPAA-compliant communication features of mobile and web-based applications may facilitate PERT workflow with immediate access to imaging, team activation, and real-time information sharing and collaboration. In this review, we describe contemporary diagnostic tools, specifically AI, that are important in the triage and diagnosis of PE.

ENTRECTINIB–INDUCED ACUTE RIGHT HEART FAILURE IN A PATIENT WITH METASTATIC LUNG ADENOCARCINOMA

Abstract We report a case report of a 45–year–old woman with a recent diagnosis of stage IV lung adenocarcinoma (PDL1 60%) with brain metastases, who started entrectinib 600 mg orally once daily. Four days after entrectinib initiation, the patient activated the emergency medical services for acute onset of marked fatigue and hypotension. The ECG performed by the emergency unit showed a marked ST–segment elevation in the infero–lateral leads. Therefore, emergent coronary angiography was performed and no evidence of coronary disease was reported. Subsequently, the patient was admitted to the Coronary Care Unit. Clinical evaluation revealed labile hemodynamics, as the patient presented mental confusion, persistent hypotension (BP 90/50 mmHg) and bradycardia (HR 30 bpm). Laboratory testing showed elevated NT–pro BNP, troponin I and transaminases, normal CRP. The electrocardiogram showed persistent diffuse ST–segment elevation. Transthoracic echocardiogram showed severe dilatation and hypokinesia of the right ventricular (GLS VDx –4.5%), with diastolic “D–shape”, normal left ventricular ejection fraction, no significant valvular disease, circumferential pericardial effusion. Clinical, laboratory and instrumental findings suggested a condition of acute right heart failure. We performed urgent computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA) which resulted negative for acute pulmonary embolism. Hence, supportive therapy with dobutamine, norepinephrine and fluid resuscitation was started, with subsequent hemodynamic stabilization. Since no other etiology was demonstrated by the extensive testing, we attributed the acute right ventricular dysfunction to the recent introduction of entrectinib therapy. Therefore, the drug was discontinued. During the hospitalization we observed a rapid normalization of electrocardiogram and right ventricle function by transthoracic echocardiogram, accompanied by a progressive improvement of laboratory parameters. In order to better define right ventricle function and dimension, the patient underwent cardiac magnetic resonance imaging which showed a normal right ventricle ejection fraction (RV EF 52%), the absence of myocardial edema or late gadolinium enhancement and normal volume of the right ventricle. After six days of hospitalization the patient was discharged. Our case report adds to the limited available literature of cardiac toxicity of entrectinib.

AUTOIMMUNE MYOCARDITIS IN MELANOMA IMMUNOTHERAPY–COMPLEX CLINICA PRESENTATION AND ADVERSE THERAPEUTIC RESPONSE

Abstract A 68–year–old Caucasian female presented to the ED with cardiac chest pain and dyspnea. The patient had a history of arterial hypertension and was equipped with a biventricular pacemaker due to atrial fibrillation with low ventricular response. She had recently been diagnosed with metastatic melanoma and initiated treatment with nivolumab and ipilimumab two weeks prior. Troponin levels were elevated (700 ng/ml), and no ST–segment elevation was observed on the electrocardiogram (ECG). In suspicion of NSTEMI–ACS, coronary angiography was performed, revealing an intact epicardial coronary circulation without stenotic lesions. The echocardiogram showed borderline left ventricular systolic function (EF 50%), and the right ventricle exhibited initial signs of reduced systolic function (TAPSE, 15 mm; S RV, 9.5 m/s). The following day, there was a deterioration in hemodynamics and respiratory exchange, with evidence of apical and mid–distal interventricular septum hypokinesia of the left ventricle (EF 40%) and dilated right ventricle (BD 4.8 cm; MD 4 cm) with severely reduced systolic function (TAPSE 10 mm, S RV 7 m/s, FAC, 20%), and severe tricuspid regurgitation. Urgent computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA) excluded pulmonary embolism. Additionally, there was a new troponin increase (5000 ng/ml) and elevated hepatic biomarkers. The clinical picture raised suspicion of myocarditis related to immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy. Corticosteroid therapy was initiated with a daily administration of methylprednisolone 1000 mg. Diagnostic confirmation was sought through autoimmune panel and viral marker assessments, which yielded negative results. Endomyocardial biopsy (EMB) revealed CD4 and CD8–positive lymphocytic infiltration and myocardial necrosis. Despite initial clinical improvement, an arrhythmic storm developed. Despite treatment with a defibrillator, intravenous antiarrhythmic therapy (beta–blocker, amiodarone, and lidocaine), and sedation, the patient unfortunately succumbed. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have been revolutionary in the treatment of many solid tumors. However, the dysregulation of immune mechanisms can rarely (2%) lead to autoimmune events involving multiple organs. Myocarditis, despite optimal treatment, is characterized by a mortality rate exceeding 50%, representing a significant challenge in the Intensive Care Unit.

HALF DOSE THROMBOLYSIS IN INTERMEDIATE – HIGH RISK PULMONARY EMBOLISM WITH TRICUSPID VALVE MOBILE MASS: A BAIL OUT STRATEGY

Abstract A 82–year–old previously healthy male was referred to the emergency department complaining sudden onset dyspnea and witnessed syncope complicated by head trauma. Recurrent dizziness occurred previously. No history or drug consumption noted. On admission: heart rate 90 beats/min, blood pressure 110/60 mmHg, respiratory rate 25 breaths/min, oxygen saturation 87% in room air, normal body temperature. No lower extremities tenderness or swelling reported. Consistent with peripheral blood oxygen saturation levels, arterial blood gas analysis showed hypoxemia and respiratory alkalosis. Laboratory exams were significant for thrombocytopenia (89.000 cells/L), elevated cardiac troponin T levels (222 ng/L) and natriuretic peptide (NT pro–BNP 3944 pg/mL). Head CT excluded acute cerebral hemorrhage. At the electrocardiogram, signs of RV strain were present (biphasic T–waves in V1–V3 leads, S1–Q3–T3). Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) showed dilated RV with hypokinetic free wall, “D–shaped” LV, “60/60” sign and a mobile filiform mass crossing the tricuspid valve plan in the right atrium (fig. 1). The patient did not present structural valvular abnormalities or endocarditis–related risk factors. CT pulmonary angiography detected a “saddle” PE and extensive thrombosis in inferior vena cava. After unfractioned heparin (UFH) bolus, the patient was transferred to our intensive care unit and balancing risks and benefits the chosen treatment option consisted in half dose systemic thrombolysis (50 mg rtPA in 60’’; 10 mg as loading dose in 2’). Because of potential harmful effects in thrombocytopenia and recent head trauma, UFH was temporarily withheld and started again after 1 hour. The day after, a beside TTE showed complete tricuspid thrombus resolution, a significant decrease in RV/LV ratio and systolic pulmonary artery pressure (fig. 2). Apart from small hematomas, no bleedings were reported. The patient was shifted to the ward on the next day and following course was uneventful. On day 4 a direct oral anticoagulant (Dabigatran 110 mg) was started. Abdominal and inferior limb–deep–venous ultrasound were both negative for pathological reports. A total body CT was scheduled to exclude silent malignancies at discharge. Take home message: in intermediate–high risk PE, half dose systemic fibrinolysis strategy is controversial since its potential benefit is counterbalanced by concerns about major bleedings, but increasing data suggest its efficacy with low risk profile.

A CASE OF RIGHT HEART FAILURE: WHEN IT IS NOT PULMONARY EMBOLISM

Abstract A 66–year–old patient, showing exertional dyspnea and atypical chest pain, came to our attention with instrumental findings at echocardiogram of right ventricular failure and was hospitalized due to worsening signs and symptoms of right heart failure. Signs of right ventricular strain and the McGinn–White sign (S1Q3T3 pattern) were seen on the ECG, leading to the suspicion of pulmonary thromboembolism (PE). Pulmonary CT angiography confirmed bilateral PE involving the main pulmonary artery. Oral anticoagulant therapy was initiated with initial partial benefit and relief of symptoms. However, after four weeks, the patient was readmitted for severe heart failure and signs of low cardiac output. Echocardiography showed the presence of a conspicuous, mobile, isoechoic mass occupying most of the main pulmonary artery, suggesting thrombosis. The patient underwent urgent surgical thromboendoarterectomy extended to the third segmental left branches and to the second segmental right branches of the pulmonary artery; a severe pulmonary valve regurgitation was observed and therefore the valve was replaced with a Edwards–Magna pericardial bioprosthetic valve. ECMO (Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation) was initiated due to haemodinac instability. In the postoperative period, the severe heart failure worsened, unresponsive to pharmacological treatments and mechanical support, leading to the patient passing away in the following days. Unexpectedly, histological analysis of the surgical specimen revealed neoplastic cells with vascular/endothelial differentiation; fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) detected the MDM2 gene (cfr.23–F–00275), involved in the p53 protein regulation mechanisms, which is consistent with a diagnosis of angiosarcoma. Pulmonary–artery angiosarcomas are extremely rare (few anecdotical cases are described in literature) and resemble the CT–signs and clinical features of PE, seriously delaying the diagnosis. They are usually associated with a worse prognosis than PE, one and a half months survival time when inoperable. Radical surgery, associated with thirty six and a half months survival time, is often unfeasible because of locally advanced disease or metastatic disease already present at diagnosis. The main differences with PE are the more proximal and almost–occluding involvement of the pulmonary artery, the absence of peripheral vein thrombosis and the absence of response to anticoagulant therapy.

Could the YEARS algorithm be applied to evaluate suspected pulmonary embolism in hospitalized women after cesarean section?

To evaluate the effectiveness of the YEARS algorithm for excluding pulmonary embolism (PE) in hospitalized women after cesarean section. This retrospective study included postpartum women who gave birth by cesarean section and received computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA) because of suspected PE in the obstetric department between 2015 and 2021. We used the YEARS algorithm in these women retrospectively and assessed its performance to evaluate whether the algorithm could be reliably applied in such cases. In all, 225 women were included in the study, of whom 29 (12.9%) women were positive for PE according to the results of CTPA. Upon retrospective application of the YEARS algorithm, 188 (83.6%) women had no YEARS items, while 37 (16.4%) women had YEARS items. Combining the results with D-dimer levels revealed that only 12 (5.3%) women did not need to undergo CTPA, and none showed PE. The YEARS algorithm could be applied to exclude PE in hospitalized women in the early post-cesarean period. However, the specificity of the YEARS algorithm was very low, and the D-dimer cut-off for ruling out PE in women after early cesarean section should be further studied and optimized.

Elevation of D-dimer in eosinophilic gastrointestinal diseases in the absence of venous thrombosis: A case series and literature review

Abstract Introduction Eosinophilic gastrointestinal diseases (EGIDs) are rare and heterogeneous diseases characterized by excessive eosinophilic infiltration of the digestive system. D-dimer levels and its possible association with disease course were not reported. Case series We reported a series of three EGID cases presenting with high levels of D-dimer. No evidence for potential venous thromboembolism was found through computed tomography pulmonary angiogram and vascular ultrasounds. Moreover, D-dimer levels decreased after short-time systemic prednisolone administration, accompanied by remission of clinical symptoms and decrease of peripheral eosinophil counts and IgE levels. Conclusion Elevation of D-dimer in EGID may not represent thrombotic events but is possibly associated with disease severity. More population-based studies are needed to delineate the potential relationship among D-dimer, thrombosis, and inflammation in EGID.

Value of computed tomography pulmonary angiography measurements in predicting 30-day mortality among patients with acute pulmonary embolism

PurposeLate diagnosis is associated with high mortality rates in acute pulmonary embolism (PE), so early diagnosis and risk assessment are crucial. We aim to evaluate computed tomography pulmonary angiography measurements to identify relationships with 30-day mortality in patients with pulmonary embolism. This study investigated the utility of computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA) measures in determining 30-day PE-related mortality and identified various echocardiographic, demographic, and clinical variables that were independently associated with short-term mortality in patients with acute PE.Material and methodsThis retrospective study examined data from July 2018 to April 2023. A total of 118 patients were included in the study. Clinical and demographic characteristics, laboratory findings, echocardiographic data, and CTPA images were retrieved from the electronic database and patient charts.ResultsThe rate of 30-day mortality was 14.41%. Deceased patients were significantly older than survivors (73.53 ± 14.17 vs. 60.23 ± 17.49 years; &lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; = 0.004), but the sex distribution was similar. In multivariable logistic regression, having received radiotherapy for malignancy, high pulmonary artery obstruction index % (&gt; 46.2), high left pulmonary artery diameter (&gt; 23.9 mm), and high coronary artery calcification score (&gt; 5.5) were independently associated with mortality.ConclusionsThese results reveal specific parameters that can assist acute PE management by enabling the identification of critical events. Despite promising results in predicting short-term mortality in acute PE, further prospective cohort studies are needed to confirm the results of the present study.

Computed tomography pulmonary angiogram ordering, adherence to decision rules and yield in the emergency department: An observational study.

Pulmonary embolism (PE) frequently requires diagnosis through CT pulmonary angiogram (CTPA). Appropriate application of evidence-based clinical decision tools can reduce unnecessary CTPAs. This study assessed adherence to and the efficacy of various aspects of the Queensland Health suspected PE diagnostic pathway, including Wells score, PE rule out criteria (PERC) and age-adjusted D-dimer interpretation. Retrospective study of CTPAs ordered from 1 January to 30 April 2023 in a tertiary and urban ED in Southeast Queensland. Data on clinical variables, D-dimer and CTPA results were collected through medical record and radiology database review. Descriptive analyses were used to determine adherence to Queensland guidelines and performance of D-dimer interpretation tools (including comparison of age-adjusted PE with a new pre-test probability [PTP]-based model using D-dimer cut-off <1000 ng/mL for Wells score ≤4 and 500 ng/mL for Wells score 4.5-6). A total of 573 CTPAs were available for analysis with a 12.4% (95% confidence interval 10.0-15.4) diagnostic yield. Stratification by Wells score showed yields of 4.0%, 18.5% and 41% for low-, moderate- and high-risk patients, respectively. Twenty-five patients with low-PTP who received CTPA could have been excluded with the PERC rule. Age-adjusted D-dimer interpretation may have prevented 26 CTPAs with no false negatives, whereas PTP approach may have prevented 128 CTPAs with four false negatives. Guideline adherence can be improved, and adherence to existing clinical decision tools may reduce unnecessary CTPA ordering and increase diagnostic yield. The use of the age-adjusted D-dimer had good sensitivity, whereas the new PTP approach will require further prospective research.

Comparison of three diagnostic strategies for suspicion of pulmonary embolism: planar ventilation-perfusion scan (V/Q), CT pulmonary angiography (CTPA) and single photon emission CT ventilation-perfusion scan (SPECT V/Q): a protocol of a randomised controlled trial

IntroductionPulmonary embolism (PE) is a challenge to diagnose and when missed, exposes patients to potentially fatal recurrent events. Beyond CT pulmonary angiography (CTPA) and planar ventilation/perfusion (V/Q) scan, single photon...