1
|
Abstract
Pulmonary CTA is a ubiquitous study interpreted by radiologists with different levels of experience in a variety of practice settings. Pulmonary embolism (PE) can range from an incidental and clinically insignificant finding to a clinically significant thrombus that can be managed on an outpatient basis to a potentially fatal condition requiring immediate medical or invasive management. Accordingly, a clear and concise pulmonary CTA report should effectively communicate the most pertinent findings to help the treating medical team diagnose or exclude the diagnosis of PE and provide information to guide appropriate management. In this expert panel narrative review, we discuss the purpose of the radiology report for pulmonary CTA, the optimal report format, the relevant findings that need to be addressed and their clinical significance.
Collapse
|
2
|
Nguyen ET, Hague C, Manos D, Memauri B, Souza C, Taylor J, Dennie C. Canadian Society of Thoracic Radiology/Canadian Association of Radiologists Best Practice Guidance for Investigation of Acute Pulmonary Embolism, Part 2: Technical Issues and Interpretation Pitfalls. Can Assoc Radiol J 2021; 73:214-227. [PMID: 33781102 DOI: 10.1177/08465371211000739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The investigation of acute pulmonary embolism is a common task for radiologists in Canada. Technical image quality and reporting quality must be excellent; pulmonary embolism is a life-threatening disease that should not be missed but overdiagnosis and unnecessary treatment should be avoided. The most frequently performed imaging investigation, computed tomography pulmonary angiogram (CTPA), can be limited by poor pulmonary arterial opacification, technical artifacts and interpretative errors. Image quality can be affected by patient factors (such as body habitus, motion artifact and cardiac output), intravenous (IV) contrast protocols (including the timing, rate and volume of IV contrast administration) and common physics artifacts (including beam hardening). Mimics of acute pulmonary embolism can be seen in normal anatomic structures, disease in non-vascular structures and pulmonary artery filling defects not related to acute pulmonary emboli. Understanding these pitfalls can help mitigate error, improve diagnostic quality and optimize patient outcomes. Dual energy computed tomography holds promise to improve imaging diagnosis, particularly in clinical scenarios where routine CTPA may be problematic, including patients with impaired renal function and patients with altered cardiac anatomy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elsie T Nguyen
- Joint Department of Medical Imaging, 33540Toronto General Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Cameron Hague
- Department of Radiology, 12358University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Daria Manos
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, 3688Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Brett Memauri
- Cardiothoracic Sciences Division, St. Boniface General Hospital, 12359University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Carolina Souza
- Department of Medical Imaging, 10055The Ottawa Hospital, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jana Taylor
- 54473McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Carole Dennie
- Department of Medical Imaging, 10055The Ottawa Hospital, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- 27337Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Sin D, McLennan G, Rengier F, Haddadin I, Heresi GA, Bartholomew JR, Fink MA, Thompson D, Partovi S. Acute pulmonary embolism multimodality imaging prior to endovascular therapy. Int J Cardiovasc Imaging 2020; 37:343-358. [PMID: 32862293 PMCID: PMC7456521 DOI: 10.1007/s10554-020-01980-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The manuscript discusses the application of CT pulmonary angiography, ventilation–perfusion scan, and magnetic resonance angiography to detect acute pulmonary embolism and to plan endovascular therapy. CT pulmonary angiography offers high accuracy, speed of acquisition, and widespread availability when applied to acute pulmonary embolism detection. This imaging modality also aids the planning of endovascular therapy by visualizing the number and distribution of emboli, determining ideal intra-procedural catheter position for treatment, and signs of right heart strain. Ventilation–perfusion scan and magnetic resonance angiography with and without contrast enhancement can also aid in the detection and pre-procedural planning of endovascular therapy in patients who are not candidates for CT pulmonary angiography.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David Sin
- Section of Interventional Radiology, Imaging Institute, Cleveland Clinic Main Campus, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Gordon McLennan
- Section of Interventional Radiology, Imaging Institute, Cleveland Clinic Main Campus, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Fabian Rengier
- Section of Emergency Radiology, Clinic for Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ihab Haddadin
- Section of Interventional Radiology, Imaging Institute, Cleveland Clinic Main Campus, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Gustavo A Heresi
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Respiratory Institute, Cleveland Clinic Main Campus, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - John R Bartholomew
- Section of Vascular Medicine, Heart and Vascular Institute, Cleveland Clinic Main Campus, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Matthias A Fink
- Section of Emergency Radiology, Clinic for Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Dustin Thompson
- Section of Interventional Radiology, Imaging Institute, Cleveland Clinic Main Campus, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Sasan Partovi
- Section of Interventional Radiology, Imaging Institute, Cleveland Clinic Main Campus, Cleveland, OH, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Ratnakanthan PJ, Kavnoudias H, Paul E, Clements WJ. Weight-Adjusted Contrast Administration in the Computed Tomography Evaluation of Pulmonary Embolism. J Med Imaging Radiat Sci 2020; 51:451-461. [PMID: 32620525 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmir.2020.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2020] [Revised: 05/26/2020] [Accepted: 06/01/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Computed tomography pulmonary angiogram (CTPA) is widely considered the gold standard for diagnosis of pulmonary embolism (PE) with previous studies demonstrating high sensitivity and specificity. Despite this, nondiagnostic and indeterminate CTPA rates of 5%-26% remain a concern. As part of a continuing quality assurance program, a new weight-adjusted contrast dose and increased administration rate CTPA protocol was studied with an aim to improve diagnostic accuracy of PE evaluation. METHODS A total of 2,398 CTPA examinations were reviewed to assess pulmonary arterial enhancement and PE yield in this retrospective study. Between 1 August 2014 and 1 August 2015, 1,133 patients received a fixed-volume (60 mL) contrast dose technique at 4 mL/s (protocol A). A new protocol was then implemented as part of a continuing quality assurance program. Between 15 September 2015 and 15 September 2016, 1,265 patients received a weight-adjusted contrast dose (1 mL/kg) and increased administration rate (5 mL/s) CTPA technique (protocol B). Studies were classed into categories based on quality of study; diagnostic: HU > 211, nondiagnostic: HU < 211 and PE yield; positive, negative, and indeterminate. These variables were compared with cross-sectional surface area to assess the relationship between patient habitus, CTPA diagnostic quality, and PE yield. RESULTS A weight-adjusted contrast dose and increased administration rate CTPA protocol (protocol B) resulted in a significant increase in mean PA enhancement (P < .0001), 55.23% decrease in nondiagnostic studies and 43.04% decrease in indeterminate studies. Protocol B demonstrated increased positive and negative CTPA rates with decreased indeterminate rates from 12.38% to 7.04%. Comparison with cross-sectional area demonstrated significant increase in proportion of diagnostic studies and reduction in nondiagnostic and indeterminate CTPAs using protocol B in obese patients. CONCLUSIONS A weight-adjusted contrast dose and increased administration rate CTPA protocol can significantly increase PA enhancement, especially in obese patients, resulting in greater high-quality and fewer nondiagnostic and indeterminate CTPA examinations. A CTPA protocol with a higher rate of conclusive examinations can provide greater confidence in PE evaluation for reporting radiologists and accurate clinical decision-making pathways for referring physicians.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Helen Kavnoudias
- Department of Radiology, The Alfred Hospital, Victoria, Australia; Department of Surgery, Monash University, Victoria, Australia; Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Victoria, Australia
| | - Eldho Paul
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Victoria, Australia
| | - Warren J Clements
- Department of Radiology, The Alfred Hospital, Victoria, Australia; Department of Surgery, Monash University, Victoria, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Tromeur C, Le Mao R, Leven C, Couturaud F, Théreaux J, Lacut K. [Diagnostic and therapeutic management of venous thromboembolic disease in obese patients]. Rev Mal Respir 2020; 37:328-340. [PMID: 32284207 DOI: 10.1016/j.rmr.2020.02.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2019] [Accepted: 08/06/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Despite the high proportion of obese patients this population remains understudied in the field of venous thromboembolic disease (VTE). Obesity is a risk factor for pulmonary embolism and/or deep vein thrombosis, especially when it is associated with other risk factors for VTE. Currently there is no validated diagnostic algorithm for VTE in the population of obese patients. Moreover, imaging examinations can be of poor quality and inconclusive. In the prevention of VTE, data concerning obese patients are mainly based on low-level studies. Apart from the context of bariatric surgery, an adjustment of heparin doses according to the weight of the patient is proposed only on a case-by-case basis. According to the current guidelines, therapeutic fixed dose oral anticoagulants should not be prescribed for patients with weights exceeding 120kg or a body mass index>40kg/m2. Heparin doses should be weight adjusted and monitored with anti-Xa activity. Anti vitamin K can be prescribed but require INR monitoring. Therefore, new studies specifically dedicated to obese patients are required in the field of VTE for better diagnostic and therapeutic management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C Tromeur
- Département de médecine interne, vasculaire et pneumologie, CHRU, site Cavale-Blanche, Brest, France; EA3878, FCRIN INNOVTE, groupe d'étude thrombose Bretagne Occidentale, Brest, France.
| | - R Le Mao
- Département de médecine interne, vasculaire et pneumologie, CHRU, site Cavale-Blanche, Brest, France; EA3878, FCRIN INNOVTE, groupe d'étude thrombose Bretagne Occidentale, Brest, France
| | - C Leven
- EA3878, FCRIN INNOVTE, groupe d'étude thrombose Bretagne Occidentale, Brest, France; Département de biochimie et pharmaco-toxicologie, CHRU, Brest, France
| | - F Couturaud
- Département de médecine interne, vasculaire et pneumologie, CHRU, site Cavale-Blanche, Brest, France; EA3878, FCRIN INNOVTE, groupe d'étude thrombose Bretagne Occidentale, Brest, France
| | - J Théreaux
- EA3878, FCRIN INNOVTE, groupe d'étude thrombose Bretagne Occidentale, Brest, France; Service de chirurgie viscérale et digestive, CHRU, site Cavale-Blanche, Brest, France
| | - K Lacut
- Département de médecine interne, vasculaire et pneumologie, CHRU, site Cavale-Blanche, Brest, France; EA3878, FCRIN INNOVTE, groupe d'étude thrombose Bretagne Occidentale, Brest, France
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Cohen SL, Feizullayeva C, McCandlish JA, Sanelli PC, McGinn T, Brenner B, Spyropoulos AC. Comparison of international societal guidelines for the diagnosis of suspected pulmonary embolism during pregnancy. LANCET HAEMATOLOGY 2020; 7:e247-e258. [PMID: 32109405 DOI: 10.1016/s2352-3026(19)30250-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2019] [Revised: 11/13/2019] [Accepted: 11/18/2019] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Pregnancy-associated pulmonary embolism is one of the leading causes of maternal mortality. Diagnosis of pulmonary embolism in pregnancy is challenging, with symptoms of pulmonary embolism mimicking those of pregnancy. Several key components such as clinical prediction tools, risk stratification, laboratory tests, and imaging widely used for diagnosis of pulmonary embolism in the non-pregnant population show limitations for diagnosis in pregnancy. Further, because of the difficulty of studying pregnant patients, high-quality research evaluating the performance of these diagnostic components in pregnancy is scarce. Seven international medical society guidelines present clinical diagnostic pathways for evaluation of pulmonary embolism in pregnancy that show conflicting recommendations on the use of these diagnostic components. This Review assesses all key components of diagnostic clinical pathways recommended by guidelines for evaluation of pulmonary embolism in pregnancy, reviews current evidence, compares the guideline recommendations with respect to each key component, and provides our preferred diagnostic pathway. It provides the guidelines and available data needed for informed decision making to diagnose pulmonary embolism in pregnancy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stuart L Cohen
- Imaging Clinical Effectiveness and Outcomes Research, Department of Radiology, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY, USA; Center for Health Innovations and Outcomes Research, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research and Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Manhasset, NY, USA.
| | - Chinara Feizullayeva
- Imaging Clinical Effectiveness and Outcomes Research, Department of Radiology, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY, USA; Center for Health Innovations and Outcomes Research, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research and Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Manhasset, NY, USA
| | - John A McCandlish
- Imaging Clinical Effectiveness and Outcomes Research, Department of Radiology, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY, USA; Center for Health Innovations and Outcomes Research, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research and Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Manhasset, NY, USA; Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Pina C Sanelli
- Imaging Clinical Effectiveness and Outcomes Research, Department of Radiology, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY, USA; Center for Health Innovations and Outcomes Research, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research and Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Manhasset, NY, USA
| | - Thomas McGinn
- Department of Medicine, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY, USA; Center for Health Innovations and Outcomes Research, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research and Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Manhasset, NY, USA
| | - Benjamin Brenner
- Institute of Hematology, Rambam Health Care Campus and Technion, Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The First I.M. Sechenov Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Alex C Spyropoulos
- Department of Medicine, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY, USA; Center for Health Innovations and Outcomes Research, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research and Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Manhasset, NY, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Cohen SL, Wang J, Mankerian M, Feizullayeva C, McCandlish JA, Barnaby D, Sanelli P, McGinn T. Evaluation of CTPA interpreted as limited in pregnant patients suspected for pulmonary embolism. Emerg Radiol 2019; 27:165-171. [PMID: 31813073 DOI: 10.1007/s10140-019-01728-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2019] [Accepted: 09/06/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this study is to determine the rates of CT pulmonary angiography (CTPA) interpreted as limited and severely limited in pregnant patients suspected for pulmonary embolism (PE), and to evaluate factors that influence these rates. METHODS This is a retrospective study with CTPA for evaluation of PE in pregnancy across a large health system from 2006 to 2017. CTPA was classified as limited from the radiology report with a subset of those studies classified as severely limited. Bivariate and multivariate analysis was performed for limited and severely limited rates with maternal age and patient size as a continuous variable and race, trimester, patient location study priority status, and result of chest radiograph before CTPA as categorical variables. RESULTS 874 patients with 33% of studies limited and 4% of studies severely limited. Multivariate logistic regression of CTPA studies revealed decreasing patient age (OR 0.967, p = 0.0129) and increasing patient size (OR 1.013, p < 0.0001). Studies performed in the second trimester (OR 1.869, p = 0.0242) and third trimester (OR 2.314, p = 0.0021) were more likely to be reported as limited (each p < 0.05). Increasing patient size (OR 1.017, p = 0.0046) was the only significant predictor of severely limited versus non-severely limited studies. CONCLUSION CTPA interpreted as limited in pregnancy are common and may be associated with younger age, larger patient size, and second and third trimesters. However, severely limited interpretations are much less common, with patient size the only significant predictor.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S L Cohen
- Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY, USA. .,Northwell Health Imaging, 600 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA. .,Imaging Clinical Effectiveness & Outcomes Research Program at Northwell Health, 600 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA. .,Feinstein Institute for Medical Research at Northwell Health, 600 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA.
| | - J Wang
- Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY, USA.,Imaging Clinical Effectiveness & Outcomes Research Program at Northwell Health, 600 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA.,Feinstein Institute for Medical Research at Northwell Health, 600 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA
| | - M Mankerian
- Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY, USA
| | - C Feizullayeva
- Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY, USA.,Northwell Health Imaging, 600 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA.,Imaging Clinical Effectiveness & Outcomes Research Program at Northwell Health, 600 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA.,Feinstein Institute for Medical Research at Northwell Health, 600 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA
| | | | - D Barnaby
- Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY, USA.,Feinstein Institute for Medical Research at Northwell Health, 600 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA.,Northwell Health Emergency Medicine, Manhasset, NY, USA
| | - P Sanelli
- Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY, USA.,Northwell Health Imaging, 600 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA.,Imaging Clinical Effectiveness & Outcomes Research Program at Northwell Health, 600 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA.,Feinstein Institute for Medical Research at Northwell Health, 600 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA
| | - T McGinn
- Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY, USA.,Feinstein Institute for Medical Research at Northwell Health, 600 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA.,Northwell Health Internal Medicine, Manhasset, NY, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Murphy A, Cheng J, Pratap J, Redman R, Coucher J. Dual-Energy Computed Tomography Pulmonary Angiography: Comparison of Vessel Enhancement between Linear Blended and Virtual Monoenergetic Reconstruction Techniques. J Med Imaging Radiat Sci 2019; 50:62-67. [PMID: 30777250 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmir.2018.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2018] [Revised: 10/18/2018] [Accepted: 10/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Optimal opacification of the pulmonary vasculature is a fundamental factor of a diagnostic quality computed tomography pulmonary angiogram (CTPA). This retrospective study examined the feasibility of utilising a noise-optimised monoenergetic reconstruction of the dual-energy computed tomography pulmonary angiogram (DE-CTPA) as an additional protocol to increase vessel opacification. METHOD The study involved a retrospective analysis of 129 patients, 69 males (average age 58 years), 60 females (average age 56 years) who underwent a DE-CTPA at a tertiary referral hospital. Linear blended 120 kilovoltage (kV) images (LB120) dual-energy (DE) data sets (50% 100 kV and 50% 140 kV) were compared to noise-optimised virtual monoenergetic image reconstruction (VMI+) at 40 kiloelectron volts (VMI+40). The attenuation of the pulmonary trunk measured in Hounsfield units (HU) between the equivalent axial slices of the LB120 data set and the VMI+40 data set underwent statistical analysis via a Wilcoxon paired-sample test. RESULTS VMI+40 (1161.500 HU) yielded a statistically significant increase in median attenuation within the pulmonary trunk compared to the LB120 (304.400 HU), with a median difference between monoenergetic reconstruction and standard dual energy of data sets of 827.5 HU (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS VMI+40 of the DE-CTPA scan demonstrates a statistically significant increase in vessel attenuation in all cases and may have utility in reducing the rates of indeterminate or repeated studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Murphy
- Department of Medical Imaging, British Columbia Children's Hospital, Vancouver, Canada; Department of Medical Imaging, St Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, Canada; Faculty of Health Sciences, The University of Sydney, Discipline of Medical Radiation Sciences, Cumberland Campus, Lidcombe, Australia.
| | - Jeffrey Cheng
- Department of Medical Imaging, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Jit Pratap
- Department of Medical Imaging, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Renae Redman
- Department of Medical Imaging, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Australia
| | - John Coucher
- Department of Medical Imaging, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Doolittle DA, Froemming AT, Cox CW. High-pitch versus standard mode CT pulmonary angiography: a comparison of indeterminate studies. Emerg Radiol 2018; 26:155-159. [PMID: 30426272 DOI: 10.1007/s10140-018-1656-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2018] [Accepted: 11/08/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To compare the causes of indeterminate CT pulmonary angiograms using standard mode and high-pitch mode, and determine at what level of the pulmonary arterial tree studies were non-diagnostic. METHODS IRB approval was obtained. A retrospective review of patients at our institution who underwent a CT pulmonary angiogram, between November 1, 2015 and February 10, 2016 was performed. CT pulmonary angiograms using both high-pitch mode and standard mode were evaluated with positive and indeterminate rates calculated. Causes of indeterminate studies and the level of the pulmonary arterial tree at which the study became non-diagnostic were determined by a board certified radiologist by looking at the images of each indeterminate study. The indeterminate rates were compared between high-pitch and standard modes using a generalized estimating equation. RESULTS Five hundred fifty-nine CT pulmonary angiograms using high-pitch mode were evaluated, while 661 standard mode scans were evaluated. 69/559 (12.3%) scans with high-pitch mode were positive and 84/661 (12.7%) scans with standard mode were positive (not statistically significant, p > 0.05). There was a higher rate of indeterminate scans with standard mode compared to the high-pitch mode (80 [12.1%] standard vs. 25 [4.5%] high-pitch, p value < 0.0001). Findings were indeterminate at the lobar level in 4 (16%), at the segmental level in 11 (44%), and at the subsegmental level in 10 (40%) using high-pitch mode. The most common causes of an indeterminate scan using high-pitch mode were motion in 11 (44%), transient interruption of contrast in 6 (24%), and contrast timing in 5 (20%). Findings were indeterminate at the main pulmonary artery level in 1 (1.3%), at the lobar level in 13 (16.3%), at the segmental level in 28 (35.0%), and at the subsegmental level in 38 (47.5%) using the standard mode. The most common causes of an indeterminate scan using the standard mode were motion in 53 (66.3%), transient interruption of contrast in 19 (23.8%), and contrast timing in 15 (18.8%). CONCLUSIONS High-pitch mode results in statistically significant fewer indeterminate studies compared with standard mode. Furthermore, there were statistically significant fewer indeterminate studies due to motion artifact with high-pitch mode compared with standard mode.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Derrick A Doolittle
- Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First St. SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA.
| | - Adam T Froemming
- Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First St. SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Christian W Cox
- Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First St. SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Tromeur C, van der Pol LM, Le Roux PY, Ende-Verhaar Y, Salaun PY, Leroyer C, Couturaud F, Kroft LJM, Huisman MV, Klok FA. Computed tomography pulmonary angiography versus ventilation-perfusion lung scanning for diagnosing pulmonary embolism during pregnancy: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Haematologica 2018; 104:176-188. [PMID: 30115658 PMCID: PMC6312023 DOI: 10.3324/haematol.2018.196121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2017] [Accepted: 08/14/2018] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Differences between computed tomography pulmonary angiography and ventilation-perfusion lung scanning in pregnant patients with suspected acute pulmonary embolism are not well-known, leading to ongoing debate on which test to choose. We searched in PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science and the Cochrane Library databases and identified all relevant articles and abstracts published up to October 1, 2017. We assessed diagnostic efficiency, frequency of non-diagnostic results and maternal and fetal exposure to radiation exposure. We included 13 studies for the diagnostic efficiency analysis, 30 for the analysis of non-diagnostic results and 22 for the radiation exposure analysis. The pooled rate of false negative test results was 0% for both imaging strategies with overlapping confidence intervals. The pooled rates of non-diagnostic results with computed tomography pulmonary angiography and ventilation-perfusion lung scans were 12% (95% confidence interval: 8-17) and 14% (95% confidence interval: 10-18), respectively. Reported maternal and fetal radiation exposure doses were well below the safety threshold, but could not be compared between the two diagnostic methods given the lack of high quality data. Both imaging tests seem equally safe to rule out pulmonary embolism in pregnancy. We found no significant differences in efficiency and radiation exposures between computed tomography pulmonary angiography and ventilation-perfusion lung scanning although direct comparisons were not possible.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cécile Tromeur
- Department of Thrombosis and Hemostasis, Leiden University Medical Center, the Netherlands .,Groupe d'Etude de la Thrombose de Bretagne Occidentale, University of Brest, Equipe d'Accueil 3878, Department of Internal Medicine and Chest Diseases, CHRU Brest, France.,Centre d'Investigation Clinique INSERM 1412, University of Brest, France
| | - Liselotte M van der Pol
- Department of Thrombosis and Hemostasis, Leiden University Medical Center, the Netherlands.,Department of Internal Medicine, Haga Teaching Hospital, the Hague, the Netherlands
| | | | - Yvonne Ende-Verhaar
- Department of Thrombosis and Hemostasis, Leiden University Medical Center, the Netherlands
| | | | - Christophe Leroyer
- Groupe d'Etude de la Thrombose de Bretagne Occidentale, University of Brest, Equipe d'Accueil 3878, Department of Internal Medicine and Chest Diseases, CHRU Brest, France.,Centre d'Investigation Clinique INSERM 1412, University of Brest, France
| | - Francis Couturaud
- Groupe d'Etude de la Thrombose de Bretagne Occidentale, University of Brest, Equipe d'Accueil 3878, Department of Internal Medicine and Chest Diseases, CHRU Brest, France.,Centre d'Investigation Clinique INSERM 1412, University of Brest, France
| | - Lucia J M Kroft
- Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, the Netherlands
| | - Menno V Huisman
- Department of Thrombosis and Hemostasis, Leiden University Medical Center, the Netherlands
| | - Frederikus A Klok
- Department of Thrombosis and Hemostasis, Leiden University Medical Center, the Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Cascio V, Hon M, Haramati LB, Gour A, Spiegler P, Bhalla S, Katz DS. Imaging of suspected pulmonary embolism and deep venous thrombosis in obese patients. Br J Radiol 2018; 91:20170956. [PMID: 29762047 DOI: 10.1259/bjr.20170956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Obesity is a growing problem around the world, and radiology departments frequently encounter difficulties related to large patient size. Diagnosis and management of suspected venous thromboembolism, in particular deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), are challenging even in some lean patients, and can become even more complicated in the setting of obesity. Many obstacles must be overcome to obtain imaging examinations in obese patients with suspected PE and/or DVT, and to ensure that these examinations are of sufficient quality to diagnose or exclude thromboembolic disease, or to establish an alternative diagnosis. Equipment limitations and technical issues both need to be acknowledged and addressed. Table weight limits and scanner sizes that readily accommodate obese and even morbidly obese patients are not in place at many clinical sites. There are also issues with image quality, which can be substantially compromised. We discuss current understanding of the effects of patient size on imaging in general and, more specifically, on the imaging modalities used for the diagnosis and treatment of DVT and PE. Emphasis will be placed on the technical parameters and protocol nuances, including contrast dosing, which are necessary to refine and optimize images for the diagnosis of DVT and PE in obese patients, while remaining cognizant of radiation exposure. More research is necessary to develop consistent high-level evidence regarding protocols to guide radiologists, and to help them effectively utilize emerging technology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Cascio
- 1 Stony Brook University School of Medicine , Stony Brook, NY , USA.,2 Department of Radiology, NYU Winthrop, Stony Brook University School of Medicine , Mineola, NY , USA
| | - Man Hon
- 3 Interventional Radiology, NYU Winthrop, Stony Brook University School of Medicine , Stony Brook, NY , USA
| | - Linda B Haramati
- 4 Division of Cardiothoracic Imaging, Montefiore Medical Center and the Albert Einstein College of Medicine , Bronx, NY , USA
| | - Animesh Gour
- 5 Division of Pulmonaryand Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, NYU Winthrop , Mineola, NY , USA
| | - Peter Spiegler
- 1 Stony Brook University School of Medicine , Stony Brook, NY , USA
| | - Sanjeev Bhalla
- 6 Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine , St Louis, MO , USA
| | - Douglas S Katz
- 2 Department of Radiology, NYU Winthrop, Stony Brook University School of Medicine , Mineola, NY , USA
| |
Collapse
|