Negative spiral CT in acute pulmonary embolism

2002 ◽  
Vol 43 (5) ◽  
pp. 486-491 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. Nilsson ◽  
A. Olausson ◽  
H. Johnsson ◽  
U. Nyman ◽  
P. Aspelin
Keyword(s):  
Pulmonary Embolism ◽  
Acute Pulmonary Embolism ◽  
Pulmonary Arteries ◽  
Negative Contrast ◽  
Spiral Ct ◽  
Pulmonary Angiography ◽  
Diagnostic Quality ◽  
Anticoagulation Treatment ◽  
Acute Pe

Purpose: To retrospectively evaluate the clinical outcome of non-anticoagulated patients with clinically suspected acute pulmonary embolism (PE) and no symptoms or signs of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) following a negative contrast medium-enhanced spiral CT of the pulmonary arteries (s-CTPA). Material and Methods: During a 24-month period, 739 of 751 patients underwent s-CTPA with acceptable diagnostic quality for clinically suspected acute PE. All patients who had a CT study not positive for PE were followed up with a questionnaire, a telephone interview and review of all medical reports, including autopsies and death certificates for any episodes of venous thromboembolism (VTE) during a 3-month period. Results: PE was diagnosed in 158 patients. Of the remaining 581 patients with a negative s-CTPA, 45 patients were lost to follow-up. 88 patients were excluded because of anticoagulation treatment (cardiac disorder n=32, chronic VTE or acute symptomatic DVT n=31, PE diagnosed at pulmonary angiography n=1, thrombus prophylaxis during diagnostic work-up or other reasons than VTE n=24) and 7 patients undergoing lower extremity venous studies because of symptoms of DVT (all negative). Thus, 441 patients with a negative s-CTPA and no DVT symptoms, venous studies or anticoagulant treatment constituted the follow-up cohort. Four of these patients had proven VTE (all PE) during the 3-month follow-up period. Two of the PE episodes contributed to the patient's death. Conclusion: Patients with clinically suspected acute PE, no symptoms or signs of DVT and a negative single slice s-CTPA using 3–5 mm collimation, may safely be left without anticoagulation treatment unless they are critically ill, have a limited cardiopulmonary reserve and/or if a high clinical suspicion remains.

Thromboembolic resolution assessed by CT pulmonary angiography after treatment for acute pulmonary embolism

2015 ◽  
Vol 114 (07) ◽  
pp. 26-34 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lucia J. M. Kroft ◽  
Petra M. G. Erkens ◽  
Renée A. Douma ◽  
Inge C. M. Mos ◽  
Gé Jonkers ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pulmonary Embolism ◽  
Acute Pulmonary Embolism ◽  
Clinical Importance ◽  
Pulmonary Angiography ◽  
Ct Pulmonary Angiography ◽  
Systematic Assessment ◽  
Cardiopulmonary Complications ◽  
Recurrent Vte ◽  
Acute Pe

SummaryThe systematic assessment of residual thromboembolic obstruction after treatment for acute pulmonary embolism (PE) has been under-studied. This assessment is of potential clinical importance, should clinically suspected recurrent PE occur, or as tool for risk stratification of cardiopulmonary complications or recurrent venous thromboembolism (VTE). This study aimed to assess the rate of PE resolution and its implications for clinical outcome. In this prospective, multi-center cohort study, 157 patients with acute PE diagnosed by CT pulmonary angiography (CTPA) underwent follow-up CTPA-imaging after six months of anticoagulant treatment. Two expert thoracic radiologists independently assessed the presence of residual thromboembolic obstruction. The degree of obstruction at baseline and follow-up was calculated using the Qanadli obstruction index. All patients were followed-up for 2.5 years. At baseline, the median obstruction index was 27.5 %. After six months of treatment, complete PE resolution had occurred in 84.1 % of the patients (95 % confidence interval (CI): 77.4–89.4 %). The median obstruction index of the 25 patients with residual thrombotic obstruction was 5.0 %. During follow-up, 16 (10.2 %) patients experienced recurrent VTE. The presence of residual thromboembolic obstruction was not associated with recurrent VTE (adjusted hazard ratio: 0.92; 95 % CI: 0.2–4.1). This study indicates that the incidence of residual thrombotic obstruction following treatment for PE is considerably lower than currently anticipated. These findings, combined with the absence of a correlation between residual thrombotic obstruction and recurrent VTE, do not support the routine use of follow-up CTPA-imaging in patients treated for acute PE.

Evolution of CT findings after anticoagulant treatment for acute pulmonary embolism in patients with and without an ultimate diagnosis of CTEPH

2021 ◽  
pp. 2100699
Author(s):  
Natalia J. Braams ◽  
Gudula J. A. M. Boon ◽  
Frances S. de Man ◽  
Josien van Es ◽  
Paul L. den Exter ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pulmonary Embolism ◽  
Acute Pulmonary Embolism ◽  
Pulmonary Arteries ◽  
Vascular Lesions ◽  
Anticoagulant Treatment ◽  
Thrombotic Occlusion ◽  
Pulmonary Arterial ◽  
Acute Pe ◽  
Over Time

IntroductionThe pulmonary arterial morphology of patients with pulmonary embolism (PE) is diverse and it is unclear how the different vascular lesions evolve after initiation of anticoagulant treatment. A better understanding of the evolution of CTPA findings after the start of anticoagulant treatment may help to better identify those PE patients prone to develop CTEPH. We aimed to assess the evolution of various thromboembolic lesions on CTPA over time after the initiation of adequate anticoagulant treatment in individual acute PE patients with and without an ultimate diagnosis of CTEPH.MethodsWe analysed the CTPA at diagnosis of acute PE (baseline) and at follow-up in 41 patients with CTEPH and 124 patients without an ultimate diagnosis of CTEPH, all receiving anticoagulant treatment. Central and segmental pulmonary arteries were scored by expert chest radiologists as normal or affected. Lesions were further sub-classified as: 1. central thrombus, 2. total thrombotic occlusion, 3. mural thrombus, 4. web or 5. tapered pulmonary artery.ResultsCentral thrombi resolved after anticoagulant treatment, while mural thrombi and total thrombotic occlusions either resolved or evolved into webs or tapered pulmonary arteries. Only patients with an ultimate diagnosis of CTEPH exhibited webs and tapered pulmonary arteries on the baseline scan. Moreover, such lesions always persisted after follow-up.ConclusionWebs and tapered pulmonary arteries at the time of PE diagnosis strongly indicate a state of chronic PE and should raise awareness for possible CTEPH, particularly in patients with persistent dyspnea after anticoagulant treatment for acute PE.

Outpatient Treatment In Patients with Acute Pulmonary Embolism: The Hestia Study

Blood ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 116 (21) ◽  
pp. LBA-1-LBA-1
Author(s):  
Wendy Zondag ◽  
Inge Mos ◽  
Dina Creemers ◽  
Lidia Hoogerbrugge ◽  
Olaf Dekkers ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pulmonary Embolism ◽  
Confidence Interval ◽  
Outpatient Treatment ◽  
Research Funding ◽  
Acute Pulmonary Embolism ◽  
Bleeding Event ◽  
Total Mortality ◽  
Recurrent Vte ◽  
Acute Pe

Abstract Abstract LBA-1 Introduction: Patients with pulmonary embolism (PE) are initially treated in the hospital with low molecular weight heparin (LMWH). The most recent guideline of the American College of Chest Physicians on Antithrombotic therapy 2008 reports some small studies on outpatient treatment in patients with pulmonary embolism, which suggest outpatient treatment in selected patients with PE is potentially effective and safe but firm recommendations for clinical practice are lacking. Clinicians urgently need reliable, easy-to-use selection criteria for selection of patients with pulmonary embolism eligible for outpatient treatment. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of outpatient treatment according to predefined criteria (Hestia criteria) in patients with acute PE. Patients and Methods: Open-label, single-arm, multicenter clinical trial of patients with objectively proven acute pulmonary embolism, conducted in twelve hospitals in the Netherlands from 2008 to 2010. Follow-up was completed in September 2010. Patients with acute PE were triaged with the predefined Hestia criteria for eligibility for outpatient treatment starting with therapeutic weight adjusted doses of LMWH (Nadroparin), followed by vitamin K antagonists. All patients eligible for outpatient treatment according to the Hestia criteria, were sent home either immediately or within 24 hours after PE was objectively diagnosed. Outcome: Outpatient treatment was evaluated with respect to recurrent venous thromboembolism (VTE), including PE or deep venous thrombosis (DVT), major haemorrhage and total mortality during initial LMWH treatment and 3 months follow up. We considered outpatient treatment to be effective if the upper limit of the 95% confidence interval of the incidence of recurrent VTE would not exceed 7%. Results: Of 297 included patients, who all completed follow-up, 6 patients (2.0%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.8–4.3) had recurrent VTE (5 PE (1.7%), 1 DVT (0.3 %)). Three patients (1.0%, 95% CI 0.2–2.9) died during three months follow-up, but none as a result of fatal PE. One patient died of fatal intracerebral haemorrhage, the other two patients died of progressive malignancy. In addition to the patient with intracranial bleeding, one other patient had a major bleeding event (0.7 %, 95% CI 0.08%-2.4%). Conclusion: Outpatient anticoagulant treatment is effective and safe for patients with pulmonary embolism who have been selected with the Hestia criteria. (Dutch Trial Register NTR1319). Disclosures: Huisman: GSK: Research Funding; Actelion: Research Funding; Bayer: Speakers Bureau; Boehringer Ingelheim: Speakers Bureau; Pfizer: Speakers Bureau.

P2772The rule-out criteria for chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension can identify patients without haemodynamic abnormalities and functional limitation 3 and 12 months after acute PE

2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
S Barco ◽  
A Mavromanoli ◽  
F A Klok ◽  
S V Konstantinides
Keyword(s):  
Pulmonary Embolism ◽  
Pulmonary Hypertension ◽  
High Probability ◽  
Acute Pulmonary Embolism ◽  
Functional Limitation ◽  
Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension ◽  
Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension ◽  
Acute Pe ◽  
Rule Out

Abstract Background Up to one-third of patients report persisting hemodynamic abnormalities and functional limitation over long-term follow-up after acute pulmonary embolism (PE). Purpose We tested whether a validated algorithm designed to rule-out chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) after acute PE can be used for identifying patients at lower risk of presenting with persisting symptoms and echocardiographic abnormalities. Methods The multicentre Follow-up of Acute Pulmonary Embolism (FOCUS) cohort study prospectively enrolled 1,100 consecutive patients diagnosed with acute symptomatic PE; two-year follow-up is ongoing. We focused on the scheduled visits for 3- and 12-month follow-up. The rule-out criteria are based on: the absence of ECG signs of right ventricular dysfunction and normal NT-proBNP/BNP values. Echocardiographic abnormalities were defined according to the presence of abnormal parameters indicating an intermediate/high probability of pulmonary hypertension as recommended by the 2015 ESC/ERS Society Guidelines on Pulmonary Hypertension. The presence of functional limitation was defined based on a World Health Organization classification grade ≥3, a Borg dyspnoea index ≥4, or a 6-minute walking distance <300 m. Results We included 323 patients (mean age 61 years, 58% men), of whom 255 have meanwhile completed a one-year follow-up. At 3- and 12-month follow-up, 194 (60%) and 155 (61%) of patients exhibited no abnormal echocardiographic findings or natriuretic peptide levels. The percentage of patients with echocardiographic abnormalities was 20.4% and 18.0%, respectively. The negative predictive value of the score for ruling out the combination of functional limitation and intermediate/high probability of pulmonary hypertension as recommended by the 2015 ESC/ERS Guidelines on Pulmonary Hypertension was 0.96 (95% CI 0.92–0.98) at 3 and 0.97 (0.92–0.99) at 12 months. The corresponding positive predictive values were 0.10 (0.06–0.17) and 0.09 (0.05–0.17), respectively. Conclusions The CTEPH rule-out criteria are capable of excluding functional limitation and evidence of (chronic) pulmonary hypertension 3 and 12 months after the diagnosis of acute PE. Acknowledgement/Funding The sponsor (University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz) has obtained grants from Bayer Vital GmbH and Bayer Pharma AG

scholarly journals Right-to-left Ventricular Diameter Ratio At Computed Tomographic Pulmonary Angiography in Patients with Acute Pulmonary Embolism and Obstructive Sleep Apnea

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 ◽  
pp. 117954842097643
Author(s):  
Thomas M Berghaus ◽  
Fabian Geissenberger ◽  
Dinah Konnerth ◽  
Michael Probst ◽  
Thomas Kröncke ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pulmonary Embolism ◽  
Obstructive Sleep Apnea ◽  
Acute Pulmonary Embolism ◽  
Pulmonary Angiography ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Diameter Ratio ◽  
Computed Tomographic ◽  
Obstructive Sleep ◽  
Computed Tomographic Pulmonary Angiography ◽  
Acute Pe

Purpose: Right ventricular (RV) dysfunction in acute pulmonary embolism (PE) is a critical determinant of outcome. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common comorbidity of PE and might also affect RV function. Therefore, we sought to investigate RV dysfunction in PE patients in proportion to the severity of OSA by evaluating the right-to-left ventricular (RV/LV) diameter ratio on computed tomographic pulmonary angiography (CTPA). Materials and Methods: 197 PE patients were evaluated for sleep-disordered breathing by portable monitoring and nocturnal polysomnography. RV dilatation was defined as an RV/LV diameter ratio of ⩾ 1.0. Results: RV dilatation was significantly more frequent in OSA patients compared to study participants without OSA (66.4% vs 49.1%, P = .036). Elevated troponin I values, indicating myocardial injury due to acute, PE-related RV strain, were significantly more frequent in OSA patients with an apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) ⩾ 15/h compared to those with an AHI < 15/h (62.1% vs 45.8%, P = .035). However, RV dysfunction documented by the RV/LV diameter ratio on CTPA was not significantly associated with the severity of OSA in multivariable regression analysis. Conclusion: Patients with moderate or severe OSA might compensate acute, PE-related RV strain better, as they are adapted to repetitive right heart pressure overloads during sleep.

scholarly journals Diagnosis, Treatment and Follow Up of Acute Pulmonary Embolism: Consensus Practice from the PERT Consortium

2019 ◽  
Vol 25 ◽  
pp. 107602961985303 ◽  
Author(s):  
Belinda Rivera-Lebron ◽  
Michael McDaniel ◽  
Kamran Ahrar ◽  
Abdulah Alrifai ◽  
David M. Dudzinski ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pulmonary Embolism ◽  
Acute Pulmonary Embolism ◽  
International Association ◽  
Response Team ◽  
Threatening Condition ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
Acute Pe ◽  
Careful Assessment ◽  
Pulmonary Embolism Response Team

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a life-threatening condition and a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. There have been many advances in the field of PE in the last few years, requiring a careful assessment of their impact on patient care. However, variations in recommendations by different clinical guidelines, as well as lack of robust clinical trials, make clinical decisions challenging. The Pulmonary Embolism Response Team Consortium is an international association created to advance the diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes of patients with PE. In this consensus practice document, we provide a comprehensive review of the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of acute PE, including both clinical data and consensus opinion to provide guidance for clinicians caring for these patients.

scholarly journals Safety and Efficiency of the YEARS Diagnostic Algorithm for Pregnant Patients with Clinically Suspected Acute Pulmonary Embolism —the Artemis Study

Blood ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 132 (Supplement 1) ◽  
pp. 419-419
Author(s):  
Liselotte M. Van Der Pol ◽  
Cecile Tromeur ◽  
Ingrid Bistervels ◽  
Thomas van Bemmel ◽  
Francis Couturaud ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pulmonary Embolism ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Failure Rate ◽  
Acute Pulmonary Embolism ◽  
Diagnostic Algorithm ◽  
Ct Scanning ◽  
Ct Scans ◽  
Acute Pe ◽  
D Dimer

Abstract Background Acute pulmonary embolism (PE) is the leading cause of maternal mortality in Western countries, accounting for 20 to 30% of all maternal deaths. Therefore, the threshold to test for PE during pregnancy is low. Because evidence regarding the safety of ruling out PE with clinical decision rules and D-dimer tests in pregnant women is unavailable, all women with a suspected PE need to undergo an imaging test, with potential harm to patient and fetus by exposure to ionizing radiation. In the present international, multicenter, prospective management study, we evaluated the safety and efficiency of the YEARS diagnostic algorithm for ruling out PE in pregnant patients with clinically suspected PE (Netherlands Trial Registry number 5913). YEARS is a simple diagnostic algorithm designed to reduce the number of required computed tomography (CT) scans in the diagnostic work-up of PE in non-pregnant patients, and was recently shown to be as safe as conventional algorithms but associated with a significant absolute 14% reduction in the number of CT scans (van der Hulle et al., Lancet 2017). Methods The Artemis study was performed in 11 Dutch hospitals, 8 French hospitals and 1 Irish hospital. Consecutive pregnant patients with suspected acute PE were included. Exclusion criteria were treatment with therapeutically dosed anticoagulants >24 hours or contraindications for CT. The YEARS algorithm was slightly adjusted for application during pregnancy (figure 1): in patients with signs of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), compression ultrasonography was obligatory before CT scanning was considered. In patients with proven DVT, anticoagulant treatment was initiated and no further diagnostic tests were undertaken. In patients with no YEARS items (Figure 1), a D-dimer threshold of <1.0 µg/ml was sufficient to rule out PE. In the remaining patients D-dimer threshold was <0.5 µg/mL. CT scanning was only performed in patients with a D-dimer level above the threshold. Anticoagulant therapy was withheld if PE was excluded. The primary safety endpoint was the occurrence of symptomatic venous thromboembolism during 3 months of follow-up, the primary efficiency endpoint was the proportion of patients in whom CTPA could be avoided. All safety endpoints were adjudicated by an independent committee. Assuming a 1.0% diagnostic failure rate and defining a maximum acceptable failure rate of 2.7%, a total study population of 472 patients was required (one-sided alpha 0.05, beta 80%). Results and conclusion: The last patient was included in May 2018. At baseline, 48% of pregnant women with suspected acute PE had no YEARS item and a D-dimer threshold of 1.0 µg/mL was applied. A total of 42% had a D-dimer level below the relevant threshold and were managed without CT scanning. Follow-up and endpoint adjudication was not completed at the abstract submission deadline; full study results will be presented at the ASH meeting. Disclosures Couturaud: Pfizer: Research Funding; Bayer: Honoraria, Other: Travel Support; AstraZeneca: Honoraria; Actelion: Other: Travel Support; Intermune: Other: Travel Support; Leo Pharma: Other: Travel Support; Daiichi Sankyo: Other: Travel Support.

Incidence and Management of Isolated Subsegmental Pulmonary Embolism.

Blood ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 114 (22) ◽  
pp. 2989-2989
Author(s):  
Yi-Hao Shen ◽  
Phil Wells ◽  
Carole Dennie ◽  
Marc Carrier
Keyword(s):  
Pulmonary Embolism ◽  
Pulmonary Artery ◽  
Clinical Management ◽  
High Probability ◽  
Conflicts Of Interest ◽  
Anticoagulation Therapy ◽  
Pulmonary Arteries ◽  
Filling Defect ◽  
Pulmonary Angiography ◽  
Acute Pe

Abstract Abstract 2989 Poster Board II-965 Introduction: The use of computed tomographic pulmonary angiography (CTPA) in patients with suspected pulmonary embolism (PE) has improved the visualization of subsegmental pulmonary arteries. However, the clinical significance of subsegmental PE is unclear. In the PIOPED Study, PE limited to subsegmental pulmonary arteries was most prevalent among patients with low-probability ventilation/perfusion (V/Q) scans. Patients with non-diagnostic (low or intermediate) V/Q scans can be safely managed without anticoagulation. The incidence and clinical management of subsegmental PE remains uncertain. Objective: To evaluate the incidence and clinical management of subsegmental PE in patients with suspected acute PE. Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study of consecutive patients with suspected acute PE undergoing CTPA at the Ottawa Hospital from Jan 1, 2007 to Dec 31, 2008. Subsegmental PE was defined as one or more pulmonary artery filling defects located in the subsegmental level, with no filling defects visualized at more proximal pulmonary artery levels. All patients were followed for a minimum of 6 months after the index PE. Results: A total of 78 (10.4%, 95% CI: 8.4 to 12.8%) cases of subsegmental PE were identified out of 748 cases of PE diagnosed by CTPA. Forty-three (77%) of these had a single isolated subsegmental filling defect. Data could be extracted in 56 (72%) of the 78 cases. Among these 56 patients, 18 (32%) had unprovoked PE. Further investigations were performed in 50 patients (Ultrasonography (U/S) of legs (n=38), U/S and V/Q scan (n=11) or V/Q scan alone (n=1)). Deep vein thrombosis was detected in 12 patients and two patients had a high probability V/Q scan. Forty-eight (86%) patients were anticoagulated. All patients with concurrent DVT or high probability V/Q scan were started on anticoagulation therapy. Two patients experienced a major bleeding episode after anticoagulation. Out of the 8 patients left untreated, there were no recurrent VTE. Conclusion: Isolated subsegmental PE represents approximately 10% of all acute PE diagnosed by CTPA. Patients with subsegmental PE diagnosed on CTPA are more commonly receiving anticoagulation than not. Further studies are needed to establish the risk benefit ratio of anticoagulation therapy in patients with subsegmental PE diagnosed on CTPA. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Spiral CT Appearance of Resolving Clots at 6 Week Follow-Up After Acute Pulmonary Embolism

1998 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
pp. 413-417 ◽  
Author(s):  
Astrid B. Van Rossum ◽  
Peter M. T. Pattynama ◽  
Erik Tjin A Ton ◽  
Gerard J. Kieft
Keyword(s):  
Pulmonary Embolism ◽  
Acute Pulmonary Embolism ◽  
Spiral Ct
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