Probability Of Pulmonary Embolism Research Articles

Determining the Clinical Probability of Deep Venous Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism

Deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism are potentially life-threatening problems that present diagnostic challenges. To employ objective diagnostic tests in an efficient, safe, and cost-effective manner, the clinical probability of these disorders should be estimated before testing. A number of clinical prediction rules are available for suspected deep venous thrombosis, while there are three major prediction rules available for estimating the probability of pulmonary embolism. Recent modifications of the Wells score for deep venous thrombosis simplify its use. Although the Wells score for pulmonary embolism is commonly used, two other rules are useful for this disorder as well. This review summarizes the clinical prediction rules and gives recommendations about their application.

MRT der akuten Lungenembolie

Recent technical developments have substantially improved the potential of MRI for the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism. On the MR scanner side this includes the development of short magnets and dedicated whole-body MRI systems, which allow a comprehensive evaluation of pulmonary embolism and deep venous thrombosis in a single exam. The introduction of parallel imaging has substantially improved the spatial and temporal resolution of pulmonary MR angiography. By combining time-resolved pulmonary perfusion MRI with high-resolution pulmonary MRA a sensitivity and specificity of over 90% is achievable, which is comparable to the accuracy of CTA. Thus, for certain patient groups, such as patients with contraindications to iodinated contrast media and young women with a low clinical probability for pulmonary embolism, MRI can be considered as a first-line imaging tool for the assessment of pulmonary embolism.

High Pretest Probability Pulmonary Embolism: Prospective Comparison of the Wells Score vs. Unstructured Physician Estimation

High Pretest Probability Pulmonary Embolism: Prospective Comparison of the Wells Score vs. Unstructured Physician Estimation

Bayes pulmonary embolism assisted diagnosis: a new expert system for clinical use

Background: The diagnosis of pulmonary embolism demands flexible decision models, both for the presence of clinical confounders and for the variability of local diagnostic resources. As Bayesian networks fully meet...

Massive Pulmonary Embolism

To purchase reprints, contact The InnoVision Group, 101 Columbia, Aliso Viejo, CA 92656. Phone, (800) 8991712 or (949) 362-2050 (ext 532); fax, (949) 362-2049; e-mail, reprints@aacn.org. The patient’s hemodynamic stability provided the multidisciplinary team with an opportunity to perform diagnostic tests to look for a possible cause for the cardiac arrest. A 2dimensional echocardiogram showed dilatation of the right ventricle and moderate tricuspid regurgitation with pulmonary artery systolic pressures of 60 to 65 mm Hg, all abnormal findings in a healthy heart. This result, coupled with the postpartum arrest, led to a tentative diagnosis of pulmonary embolism. A ventilation/ perfusion scan indicated a high probability of pulmonary embolism, and a computed tomography scan of the thorax showed a saddle embolism, which confirmed the diagnosis. The definitive diagnosis of pulmonary embolism proved a great threat to the patient’s survival, and an urgent interdisciplinary team meeting ensued. Physician representatives from obstetrics, cardiology, pulmonary medicine, and cardiothoracic surgery, as well as a variety of nursing representatives who directly provided care for the patient, played a crucial part in the decisionmaking process. The critical care nurses reported decerebrate posturing of the patient after the cardiac arrest, which may be indicative of Kathleen Shaughnessy, MSN, CRNP, CCRN

P13 An audit of clinical effectiveness of ventilation???perfusion lung scans in the investigation of pulmonary embolism

P13 An audit of clinical effectiveness of ventilation???perfusion lung scans in the investigation of pulmonary embolism

The Probability of Pulmonary Embolism Is a Function of the Diagnoses Considered Most Likely Before Testing

The Probability of Pulmonary Embolism Is a Function of the Diagnoses Considered Most Likely Before Testing

The Probability of Pulmonary Embolism Is a Function of the Diagnoses Considered Most Likely Before Testing

To determine the frequency of pulmonary embolism (PE) diagnosis when different alternative diagnoses were considered most likely before testing, because the relationship between specific alternative diagnoses and the diagnosis of PE has not been explored. This study was a preplanned secondary analysis of a prospective study of the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism conducted in the emergency department (ED) of an urban university hospital. Physicians were queried as to their most likely pretest diagnosis when they ordered any of the following tests to evaluate possible PE: D-dimer, contrast-enhanced computed tomography of the chest, ventilation-perfusion lung scan, or pulmonary angiogram. To compare the frequency of PE diagnosis across alternative diagnoses, risk ratios, 95% confidence intervals (CI), and p-values using Fisher's exact test were calculated. Six hundred seven patients were enrolled, and 61 had PE. Physicians thought PE was the most likely pretest diagnosis in 162 (26.7%) patients, and 20.4% (95% CI = 14.4% to 27.4%) of these patients had PE. For four alternative diagnoses, PE was diagnosed less frequently than when PE was considered most likely: musculoskeletal pain (2.2%, 95% CI = 0.4% to 6.2%), anxiety (1.7%, 95% CI = 0.0 to 9.2%), asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (0, 95% CI = 0.0 to 10.9%), and viral syndrome (0, 95% CI = 0.0 to 14.3%). The frequency of PE is related to the most likely pretest alternative diagnosis. PE is diagnosed infrequently when anxiety, asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, musculoskeletal pain, or viral syndrome is the most likely alternative diagnosis.

Factors Predicting Complication Rates Following Total Knee Replacement

The purpose of this investigation was to expand on previous studies by more fully examining the role of a variety of patient and hospital characteristics in determining adverse outcomes following total knee replacement. With use of data from all hospital admissions in California from 1991 through 2001, multiple logistic regression was performed on the information regarding patients treated with total knee replacement. Rates of mortality and readmission due to infection and pulmonary embolism during the first ninety days after discharge were regressed against a variety of independent variables, including demographic factors (age, gender, race, ethnicity, and insurance type), burden of comorbid disease (Charlson comorbidity index), and provider variables (hospital size, teaching status, and surgical volume). A separate baseline probability analysis was then performed to compare the relative importance of all predictor variables. The sample size for this analysis was 222,684. A total of 1176 deaths (rate, 0.53%), 1586 infections (0.71%), and 914 pulmonary emboli (0.41%) occurred within the first ninety days after discharge. The average age of the patients at the time of surgery was sixty-nine years. Sixty-two percent of the patients were women, and 32% had a Charlson comorbidity index of >0. The significant predictors for complications (p < 0.05) included age, gender, race/ethnicity, Charlson comorbidity index, insurance type, and hospital volume. A baseline probability analysis was performed with the base case considered to be a white woman who was over the age of sixty-five years, had a Charlson comorbidity index of 0, had Medicare insurance, and was treated at a high-volume, non-teaching hospital. For a patient with the baseline case characteristics, the probability of death was 31/10,000, the probability of infection was 59/10,000, and the probability of pulmonary embolism was 41/10,000 in the first ninety days after discharge. Altering the base case by assuming that care was received at a low-volume hospital increased the expected mortality rate by a factor of 26%. Increasing the Charlson comorbidity index to 1 increased the mortality rate by 170%, whereas decreasing the age to younger than sixty-five years lowered the mortality rate by 73%. Hospital volume, comorbidity, and age had similar effects on the expected rates of readmission due to infection and pulmonary embolism. The effects of age and the Charlson comorbidity index on the baseline probability of adverse outcomes following total knee replacement were shown to be similar to or greater than the effect of hospital volume. This study elucidates and compares the relative importance of the effects of several different factors on outcome. This information is important when considering the conclusions and implications of this type of policy-relevant outcomes research.

FACTORS PREDICTING COMPLICATION RATES FOLLOWING TOTAL KNEE REPLACEMENT

Background: The purpose of this investigation was to expand on previous studies by more fully examining the role of a variety of patient and hospital characteristics in determining adverse outcomes following total knee replacement. Methods: With use of data from all hospital admissions in California from 1991 through 2001, multiple logistic regression was performed on the information regarding patients treated with total knee replacement. Rates of mortality and readmission due to infection and pulmonary embolism during the first ninety days after discharge were regressed against a variety of independent variables, including demographic factors (age, gender, race, ethnicity, and insurance type), burden of comorbid disease (Charlson comorbidity index), and provider variables (hospital size, teaching status, and surgical volume). A separate baseline probability analysis was then performed to compare the relative importance of all predictor variables. Results: The sample size for this analysis was 222,684. A total of 1176 deaths (rate, 0.53%), 1586 infections (0.71%), and 914 pulmonary emboli (0.41%) occurred within the first ninety days after discharge. The average age of the patients at the time of surgery was sixty-nine years. Sixty-two percent of the patients were women, and 32% had a Charlson comorbidity index of >0. The significant predictors for complications (p < 0.05) included age, gender, race/ethnicity, Charlson comorbidity index, insurance type, and hospital volume. A baseline probability analysis was performed with the base case considered to be a white woman who was over the age of sixty-five years, had a Charlson comorbidity index of 0, had Medicare insurance, and was treated at a high-volume, non-teaching hospital. For a patient with the baseline case characteristics, the probability of death was 31/10,000, the probability of infection was 59/10,000, and the probability of pulmonary embolism was 41/10,000 in the first ninety days after discharge. Altering the base case by assuming that care was received at a low-volume hospital increased the expected mortality rate by a factor of 26%. Increasing the Charlson comorbidity index to 1 increased the mortality rate by 170%, whereas decreasing the age to younger than sixty-five years lowered the mortality rate by 73%. Hospital volume, comorbidity, and age had similar effects on the expected rates of readmission due to infection and pulmonary embolism. Conclusions: The effects of age and the Charlson comorbidity index on the baseline probability of adverse outcomes following total knee replacement were shown to be similar to or greater than the effect of hospital volume. This study elucidates and compares the relative importance of the effects of several different factors on outcome. This information is important when considering the conclusions and implications of this type of policy-relevant outcomes research. Level of Evidence: Prognostic Level II. See Instructions to Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Phlebography in the management of pulmonary embolism.

Abstract The value of phlebography in the management of 102 patients presenting with clinical features suggestive of pulmonary embolism was assessed. Ascending phlebograms, chest x-rays and pulmonary perfusion scans were performed in all the cases. Of 33 patients with a high probability of pulmonary embolism, 29 (87 per cent) had thrombi in the peripheral veins shown by phlebography. Of 45 patients with no evidence of pulmonary emboli on lung scan, the deep veins were normal in 30, while in the remaining 15 (33 per cent), phlebograms showed the presence of thrombi. In all 7 patients where pulmonary angiography confirmed the presence of extensive emboli, phlebograms showed thrombi in the peripheral veins. Phlebography was of considerable help in deciding whether to give anticoagulant therapy.

Lung scintigraphy in the diagnosis and follow-up of pulmonary thromboembolism in children with nephrotic syndrome

Thromboembolic phenomenon and pulmonary embolism is quite frequent in children with nephrotic syndrome (NS). The incidence of pulmonary thromboembolism in children with NS is as common as in adults, and severity is also reported to be relatively high. The mortality rate in NS with thromboembolic complications may be significantly increased if not diagnosed and treated well in time. For establishing the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism, although the combined use of magnetic resonance venography and CT angiography has been proposed, V/Q scan is still the best modality. We performed serial lung perfusion scans in two young patients with NS who developed sudden onset tachypnea during their stay in the hospital. Initial lung perfusion scans showing marked perfusion defects and normal chest X-rays indicated a high probability for pulmonary embolism. The patients were treated with streptokinase, and the study was repeated. Marked improvement was seen in lung perfusion, thereby highlighting the importance of lung perfusion scan in the follow-up of such patients.

Comparison of Two Models of Attribute Matching to Predict Pretest Probability of Pulmonary Embolism

Comparison of Two Models of Attribute Matching to Predict Pretest Probability of Pulmonary Embolism

Comparison of Clinical Features between Idiopathic Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension and Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension

Background : Idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH) and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) are rare but significantly imperative in inducing chronic pulmonary hypertension. Clinically, it is difficult to distinguish between IPAH and CTEPH. However, the treatment of pulmonary hypertension is different depending on the disease. The present study was performed to analyze the similarities and differences in clinical features between IPAH and CTEPH. Methods : During a nine -year period, thirty- three patients with IPAH and twenty-two patients with CTEPH were enrolled. Symptoms, physical findings, chest radiograph, electrocardiograph, pulmonary function test, echocardiograph, perfusion lung scan, right heart catheterization results were analyzed between both the groups. Results : The median age of IPAH group was 33 (6～70) years that was lower than that (52(27～80) years) of CTEPH group. Amongst the IPAH patients, there was female predominance (76 %) and there was no sex difference between the patients with CTEPH. Both the groups exhibited similarity in the results of chest radiograph, electrocardiograph, pulmonary function test, and echocardiograph. In the perfusion lung scan, all IPAH patients exhibited findings with normal (28%) or low probability (72%) of pulmonary embolism and all CTEPH patients exhibited findings with high probability of pulmonary embolism. Conclusion : Although IPAH and CTEPH bear similarities in terms of symptoms, physical signs and general investigation results, there were differences in age distribution, sex predominance and results of perfusion lung scan. (Tuberc Respir Dis 2005; 59: 170-178)

Unusual Ventilation-Perfusion Scintigraphy in Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome Secondary to Acute Lupus Myocarditis

A 40-year-old Cambodian woman with newly diagnosed systemic lupus erythematosus developed acute biventricular failure and deteriorated rapidly despite high-dose immunosuppression. Due to persistent hypoxia and elevated pulmonary pressures on echocardiogram, a Tc-99m ventilation-perfusion scan was performed. The scan suggested a high probability of pulmonary emboli. Prior to the commencement of anticoagulation, the patient had a cardiac arrest and was unable to be resuscitated. Post mortem examination confirmed myocarditis. Lung tissue showed prominent, thickened alveolar membranes and inflammation of all lobes, consistent with adult respiratory distress syndrome. There was no evidence of pulmonary emboli or vasculitis affecting the lungs. The authors show an unusual cause for a high-probability lung scan.

Pacemaker Lead Thrombosis Treated With Atrial Thrombectomy and Biventricular Pacemaker and Defibrillator Insertion

Right atrial thrombosis and pulmonary embolism are infrequent complications of pacemaker insertion. We report a patient with a large mobile thrombus on an endocardial DDD pacing lead and probable pulmonary embolism. We believe that this is the first case of pacemaker lead thrombosis in which treatment included insertion of an epicardial biventricular pacemaker and an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator.

Akute Thromboembolie

The diagnosis of acute pulmonary embolism is based on the assessment of risk factors, consistent symptoms and signs, and the lack of an alternative clinical explanation for the condition of the patient. If the probability of pulmonary embolism is low or intermediate, the diagnosis can be reliably excluded by a negative D-dimer test. A positive D-dimer test requires further evaluation by spiral angio computed tomography technique to confirm or rule out pulmonary embolism. The angiocoexisting pulmonary diseases. If the clinical probability for pulmonary embolism is high an angio-CT rather then a D-dimer should be performed at the first place. If there are signs of deep leg vein thrombosis, massive pulmonary embolism with hemodynamic instability and in other special circumstances the diagnostic approach has to be adapted accordingly. A timely diagnosis and treatment with heparin and oral anticoagulation significantly reduces the acute and chronic morbidity and mortality of pulmonary embolism.

Scintigraphic probability and angiographic diagnostic certainty in acute pulmonary embolism.

The objectives of this study were to determine if diagnostic certainty on angiography correlates with scintigraphic probability for the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism. From a total of 160 consecutive patients who underwent both nuclear imaging and invasive selective pulmonary angiography, we reviewed the xenon-133 ventilation images in 2 posterior oblique views and the Tc-99m macroaggregated serum albumin perfusion scans and angiograms of 40 patients (15 men, 25 women; average age 57 years) who were discharged from the hospital on anticoagulants with a diagnosis of pulmonary embolism. The angiograms were reviewed and the diagnosis of embolism was considered certain in the presence of an intraluminal filling defect, a trailing embolus, or a branch occlusion equal to or larger than a segmental branch (n=29; 73%), and uncertain when the studies were reinterpreted as either equivocal or negative or in the presence of a single, small subsegmental filling defect of questionable clinical significance. The ventilation-perfusion scans were read as high (n=18; 45%), intermediate (n=10; 25%), or low (n=12; 30%) probability. The proportion of patients with diagnostic certainty on angiography in the high-, intermediate-, and low-probability scintigraphic subgroups was, respectively, 100% (18 of 18), 70% (7 of 10), and 33% (4 of 12) (P=0.004). In patients diagnosed with pulmonary embolism based on selective angiography, a lower probability of pulmonary embolism on ventilation-perfusion scintigraphy correlates with a lesser degree of diagnostic certainty on angiography and a higher incidence of single subsegmental emboli.

31. A comparison of V/Q lung imaging and CT pulmonary angiography in the investigation of pulmonary embolism

s of the 31st Annual Meeting of the British Nuclear Medicine Society, Manchester, UK, 29 April to 1 May 2003 - LUNG

What happens after a lung scan? Management and outcome of patients in a regional hospital.

Pulmonary embolism (PE) remains a common preventable cause of death in hospitalized patients. The purpose of this study is to examine the in-hospital management, complications of treatment and clinical outcomes of inpatients undergoing lung scintigraphy for the diagnosis of PE in a regional hospital. Two hundred consecutive inpatients with suspected PE were enrolled. The results of lung scans, stratified according to the probability of pulmonary embolism, were correlated with anticoagulation status, discharge diagnosis, haemorrhagic complications and clinical outcome at 6 months. The use of complementary imaging investigations was also determined. Other imaging was performed infrequently (Doppler ultrasound in 18% of patients, CT pulmonary angiography (CT-PA) in 0.5% and conventional pulmonary angiography in 4% of patients). Long-term anticoagulation was initiated in 66 patients (33%), including 10 with intermediate probability lung scans (IPLS) who had no further investigations. Major haemorrhage occurred in 14% of all long-term anticoagulated patients followed up. The recognized recurrence rate was very low (3%) and there was no documented mortality from PE. Most patients with suspected PE are treated on the basis of the lung scan result without further tests. However, other imaging (especially CT-PA and conventional pulmonary angiography) should be performed prior to anticoagulation in patients with IPLS in whom the diagnosis is in doubt. Standard anticoagulation for 6 months appears to be effective for PE, and the recurrence rate is low. However, it has a significant risk of major haemorrhagic complications.