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Makowska A, Treumann T, Venturini S, Christ M. Pulmonary Embolism in Pregnancy: A Review for Clinical Practitioners. J Clin Med 2024; 13:2863. [PMID: 38792409 PMCID: PMC11121909 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13102863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2024] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Diagnostic and therapeutic decision-making in pregnancy with suspected pulmonary embolism (PE) is challenging. European and other international professional societies have proposed various recommendations that are ambiguous, probably due to the unavailability of randomized controlled trials. In the following sections, we discuss the supporting diagnostic steps and treatments. We suggest a standardized diagnostic work-up in pregnant patients presenting with symptoms of PE to make evidence-based diagnostic and therapeutic decisions. We strongly recommend that clinical decisions on treatment in pregnant patients with intermediate- or high-risk pulmonary embolism should include a multidisciplinary team approach involving emergency physicians, pulmonologists, angiologist, cardiologists, thoracic and/or cardiovascular surgeons, radiologists, and obstetricians to choose a tailored management option including an interventional treatment. It is important to be aware of the differences among guidelines and to assess each case individually, considering the specific views of the different specialties. This review summarizes key concepts of the diagnostics and acute management of pregnant women with suspected PE that are supportive for the clinician on duty.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agata Makowska
- Emergency Department, Cantonal Hospital Lucerne, 6000 Lucerne, Switzerland; (S.V.); (M.C.)
- Cardiology, Hospital Centre of Biel, 2501 Biel, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Treumann
- Radiology, Cantonal Hospital Lucerne, 6000 Lucerne, Switzerland;
| | - Stefan Venturini
- Emergency Department, Cantonal Hospital Lucerne, 6000 Lucerne, Switzerland; (S.V.); (M.C.)
| | - Michael Christ
- Emergency Department, Cantonal Hospital Lucerne, 6000 Lucerne, Switzerland; (S.V.); (M.C.)
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2
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Kirsch J, Wu CC, Bolen MA, Henry TS, Rajiah PS, Brown RKJ, Galizia MS, Lee E, Rajesh F, Raptis CA, Rybicki FJ, Sams CM, Verde F, Villines TC, Wolf SJ, Yu J, Donnelly EF, Abbara S. ACR Appropriateness Criteria® Suspected Pulmonary Embolism: 2022 Update. J Am Coll Radiol 2022; 19:S488-S501. [PMID: 36436972 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacr.2022.09.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Pulmonary embolism (PE) remains a common and important clinical condition that cannot be accurately diagnosed on the basis of signs, symptoms, and history alone. The diagnosis of PE has been facilitated by technical advancements and multidetector CT pulmonary angiography, which is the major diagnostic modality currently used. Ventilation and perfusion scans remain largely accurate and useful in certain settings. MR angiography can be useful in some clinical scenarios and lower-extremity ultrasound can substitute by demonstrating deep vein thrombosis; however, if negative, further studies to exclude PE are indicated. In all cases, correlation with the clinical status, particularly with risk factors, improves not only the accuracy of diagnostic imaging but also overall utilization. Other diagnostic tests have limited roles. The ACR Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed annually by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and revision process support the systematic analysis of the medical literature from peer-reviewed journals. Established methodology principles such as Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation or GRADE are adapted to evaluate the evidence. The RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method User Manual provides the methodology to determine the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures for specific clinical scenarios. In those instances in which peer-reviewed literature is lacking or equivocal, experts may be the primary evidentiary source available to formulate a recommendation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Carol C Wu
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | | | - Travis S Henry
- Panel Chair, Division Chief of Cardiothoracic Imaging, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina; Co-Director, ACR Education Center HRCT Course; Chair
| | | | - Richard K J Brown
- Vice Chair of Clinical Operations, Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah; Commission on Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging
| | | | - Elizabeth Lee
- University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, Michigan; Director M1Radiology Education University of Michigan Medical School; Associated Program Director Diagnostic Radiology Michigan Medicine; Director of Residency Education Cardiothoracic Division Michigan
| | - Fnu Rajesh
- MetroHealth Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio; Primary care physician
| | | | | | | | - Franco Verde
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Todd C Villines
- University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, Virginia; Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography
| | - Stephen J Wolf
- Denver Health, Denver, Colorado; American College of Emergency Physicians; Director of Service for Emergency Medicine, Denver Health Medical Center, Denver Colorado; Co-Chair, American College of Emergency Physicians Clinical Policies Committee
| | - Jeannie Yu
- Deputy Chief of Medicine, VA Medical Center, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, California; Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance
| | - Edwin F Donnelly
- Specialty Chair, Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio; Ohio State University Medical Center: Chief of Thoracic Radiology, Interim Vice Chair of Academic Affairs, Department of Radiology
| | - Suhny Abbara
- Specialty Chair, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
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3
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Edebiri O, Ní Áinle F. Risk factors, diagnosis and management of venous thromboembolic disease in pregnancy. Breathe (Sheff) 2022; 18:220018. [PMID: 36337136 PMCID: PMC9584596 DOI: 10.1183/20734735.0018-2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Venous thromboembolism (VTE) in pregnancy is a leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality. However, despite the significant associated clinical burden and potentially devastating societal impact, there is still a paucity of data surrounding its prevention and management. Consequently, international guideline recommendations vary widely. Exclusion of pregnant women from clinical trials in the past has contributed to knowledge gaps. However, recently published and ongoing studies demonstrate that excellent clinical trials in pregnancy are achievable. This review will discuss prevention, diagnosis and treatment of VTE in pregnancy, and will also explore priorities for future research. Venous thromboembolism in pregnancy is a leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality. However, individualised clinical risk assessment and recent advances in clinical prediction rules for pulmonary embolism have the potential to improve management.https://bit.ly/3mjtHg2
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Sadeghi S, Arabi Z, Moradi M, Raofi E. Diagnostic imaging to investigate pulmonary embolism in pregnancy using CT-Pulmonary angiography versus perfusion scan. JOURNAL OF RESEARCH IN MEDICAL SCIENCES 2021; 26:37. [PMID: 34484369 PMCID: PMC8384013 DOI: 10.4103/jrms.jrms_113_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2020] [Revised: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Background: Pulmonary embolism (PE) is one of the major causes of maternal mortality; however, its diagnosis based on clinical presentation is a significant challenge; therefore, imaging is required. This study aims to determine the nondiagnostic rate of PE in pregnant women who initially undergone computed tomographic pulmonary angiography (CTPA) or perfusion scan. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, all pregnant or 6-week postpartum women with clinical suspicion of PE were evaluated and underwent CTPA or perfusion scan between March 2017 and June 2019. The nondiagnostic rate of each method was defined as the outcome of this study. Results: One hundred and eighty-two women with a clinical suspicion of PE were included, among which the initial imaging method was CTPA in 122 (67.03%) and perfusion scan in 60 (32.97%) women. The nondiagnostic imaging for CTPA was significantly lower than the perfusion scan (9 cases (7.4%) versus 25 cases (41.7%), respectively). Logistic regression assessment revealed a statistical outcome by controlling the confounders including gestational trimester at diagnosis, hypertension, ejection fraction, and tachycardia (odds ratio 15.911, 95% confidence interval: 5.177–48.897, P < 0.001). Conclusion: Based on the current study, CTPA is superior to perfusion scans to diagnose PE among pregnant or postpartum women with normal chest X-ray suspicion for PE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Somayeh Sadeghi
- Aquired Immunodeficiency Research Center, School of Medicine, Al-Zahra Hospital, Isfahan University of Medicine Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Zahra Arabi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Maryam Moradi
- Department of Radiology, Medical School, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Elham Raofi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
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5
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Bates SM. Pulmonary Embolism in Pregnancy. Semin Respir Crit Care Med 2021; 42:284-298. [PMID: 33548928 DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1722867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Even though venous thromboembolism is a leading cause of maternal mortality in high-income countries, there are limited high-quality data to assist clinicians with the management of pulmonary embolism in this patient population. Diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of pregnancy-associated pulmonary embolism are complicated by the need to consider fetal, as well as maternal, well-being. Recent studies suggest that clinical prediction rules and D-dimer testing can reduce the need for diagnostic imaging in a subset of patients. Low-molecular-weight heparin is the preferred anticoagulant for both prophylaxis and treatment in this setting. Direct oral anticoagulants are contraindicated during pregnancy and in breastfeeding women. Thrombolysis or embolectomy should be considered for pregnant women with pulmonary embolism complicated by hemodynamic instability. Treatment of pregnancy-associated pulmonary embolism should be continued for at least 3 months, including 6 weeks postpartum. Management of anticoagulants at the time of delivery should involve a multidisciplinary individualized approach that uses shared decision making to take patient and caregiver values and preferences into account.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon M Bates
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.,Thrombosis and Atherosclerosis Research Institute, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
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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.
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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.
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7
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Elgendy IY, Fogerty A, Blanco-Molina Á, Rosa V, Schellong S, Skride A, Portillo J, Lopez-Miguel P, Monreal M, Weinberg I. Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes of Women Presenting with Venous Thromboembolism during Pregnancy and Postpartum Period: Findings from the RIETE Registry. Thromb Haemost 2020; 120:1454-1462. [PMID: 32717760 DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1714211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Although venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a leading cause of maternal mortality, there is a paucity of real-world clinical data on clinical presentation and management of VTE during pregnancy and postpartum period. Using data from the international RIETE (Registro Informatizado Enfermedad Trombo Embólica) registry, pregnant and postpartum women with VTE were identified. Baseline characteristics, risk factors, therapies, and outcomes were compared. From March 2001 to July 2019, 596 pregnant and 523 postpartum women had symptomatic, objectively confirmed VTE. Pregnant or postpartum women were less likely to have another risk factor for VTE (i.e., immobility, cancer, recent travel) than nonpregnant women aged < 50 years. The prevalence of thrombophilia was higher among pregnant and postpartum women compared with nonpregnant women (53.2% vs. 46%). Pulmonary embolism (PE) was less commonly diagnosed in pregnant versus postpartum women (27% vs. 42%). Pregnant women with PE were commonly treated with low molecular weight heparin (73% vs. 29%), and received more inferior vena cava filters (6.0% vs. 4.2%) compared with postpartum women. By 90 days, one pregnant and one postpartum woman died after PE, and one died after a deep venous thrombosis. The incidence of recurrent VTE was low. In this largest cohort of pregnant and postpartum women with confirmed VTE, we found that pregnant and postpartum women with VTE were unlikely to present with other risk factors for VTE. Adverse outcomes in our study were uncommon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Islam Y Elgendy
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Doha, Qatar
| | - Annemarie Fogerty
- Division of Hematology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | | | - Vladimir Rosa
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital Universitario Virgen de Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain
| | - Sebastian Schellong
- Department of Medical Clinic, Municipal Hospital of Dresden Friedrichstadt, Dresden, Germany
| | - Andris Skride
- Department of Cardiology, Pauls Stradins Clinical University Hospital, Riga, Latvia
| | - José Portillo
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital General Universitario de Ciudad Real, Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Patricia Lopez-Miguel
- Department of Pneumonology, Hospital General Universitario de Albacete, Albacete, Spain
| | - Manuel Monreal
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol, Badalona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ido Weinberg
- Division of Cardiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
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8
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Begano D, Söderberg M, Bolejko A. TO USE OR NOT USE PATIENT SHIELDING ON PREGNANT WOMEN UNDERGOING CT PULMONARY ANGIOGRAPHY: A PHANTOM STUDY. RADIATION PROTECTION DOSIMETRY 2020; 189:458-465. [PMID: 32424428 PMCID: PMC7380303 DOI: 10.1093/rpd/ncaa059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2019] [Revised: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 04/03/2020] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Pregnancy increases the risk of pulmonary embolism. Computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA) is used for diagnosis. CT generates ionising radiation, and thus, abdominal shielding may be used. This phantom study investigated the effects of patient shielding and scan length reduction on the fetal and maternal ionising radiation dose from CTPA. The absorbed dose to the fetus was measured using thermoluminescent dosemeters. Estimated effective doses to the pregnant patient were based on the dose-length products. Shielding increased both the effective dose to the patient by 47% and the mean absorbed dose to the fetus (0.10 vs. 0.12 mGy; p < 0.001) compared with unshielded standard CTPA, as it affected the automatic exposure control. Shielded short CTPA marginally lowered only the mean fetal absorbed dose (0.03 vs. 0.02 mGy; p = 0.018). Shortening the scan reduced the fetal absorbed dose most effectively by 70% (0.10 vs. 0.03 mGy; p = 0.006), compared with the standard unshielded scan. Shielding modestly reduces fetal radiation dose but may compromise automatic exposure control, possibly increasing the maternal and fetal radiation dose. Shortening the scan is beneficial, assuming anatomical coverage is secured.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dino Begano
- Department of Medical Imaging and Physiology, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö SE-205 02, Sweden
| | - Marcus Söderberg
- Medical Radiation Physics, Department of Translational Medicine, Lund University, Malmö SE-205 02, Sweden
- Radiation Physics, Department of Hematology, Oncology and Radiation Physics, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö SE-205 02, Sweden
| | - Anetta Bolejko
- Department of Medical Imaging and Physiology, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö SE-205 02, Sweden
- Department of Health Sciences, Lund University, Lund SE-221 00, Sweden
- Corresponding author:
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9
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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.
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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
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10
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Sun S, Diaconescu M, Zhe T, Mesurolle B, Semionov A. Outcomes of Multidetector Computed Tomography Pulmonary Angiography in Pregnant and Postpartum Women With Suspected Pulmonary Embolism. Can Assoc Radiol J 2020; 72:512-518. [PMID: 32070114 DOI: 10.1177/0846537119899552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Verify whether there is a difference in likelihood of developing pulmonary embolism (PE) between pregnant women, nonpregnant women of reproductive age, and postpartum (up to 6 weeks) women, by comparing their outcomes on computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA) done for suspicion of PE. MATERIALS AND METHODS Retrospective cohort study of 1463 CTPA done for suspicion of PE in females of reproductive age (18-40 years), nonpregnant, pregnant (antepartum), and postpartum, from 2 tertiary-care academic hospitals between October 2006 and September 2015. Primary outcome was diagnosis of PE on imaging. Additional assessment was made of technical adequacy of the studies and method of delivery for the postpartum cohort (vaginal vs caesarean birth). Twenty-nine technically nondiagnostic studies were excluded. The effect of any potential variable on PE status was tested using univariate logistic regression. Subgroup analysis was performed after excluding patients with independent risk factors for PE. RESULTS The rate of CTPA positive for PE was less among pregnant patients compared to early postpartum and nonpregnant women of similar age, 2.9% vs 11.5% and 10.3%, respectively. Pregnancy was associated with statistically significant decreased odds ratio of developing a PE on CTPA, 0.23 (0.09-0.89), P value = .004. After excluding patients with additional independent risk factors for PE, there was no statistically significant odds ratio association between presence of PE on CTPA and pregnancy 0.41 (0.13-1.34), P value = .14. CONCLUSION Rate of CTPA positive for PE in pregnant women was lower than in nonpregnant and early postpartum women. Pregnancy was statistically significantly less likely to be associated with positive PE on a CTPA study. The common perception that pregnancy (antepartum state) is associated with an increased risk of PE may require a thorough critical reappraisal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Sun
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, McGill University Health Centre, 10041Montreal General Hospital, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Marius Diaconescu
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, McGill University Health Centre, 10041Montreal General Hospital, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Tian Zhe
- Cancer Prognostics and Health Outcomes Unit, CRCHUM, 5622University of Montreal Health Center, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Benoit Mesurolle
- Department of Radiology, 55046Centre République, Elsan, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Alexandre Semionov
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, McGill University Health Centre, 10041Montreal General Hospital, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
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11
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Roy PM, Revel MP, Salaün PY, Sanchez O. [How to make the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism?]. Rev Mal Respir 2019; 38 Suppl 1:e7-e23. [PMID: 31734045 DOI: 10.1016/j.rmr.2019.05.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- P-M Roy
- F-CRIN INNOVTE, 42055 St-Étienne cedex 2, France; Département de médecine d'urgence et service de médecine vasculaire, CHU Angers, 49000 Angers, France; UMR 1083, UFR santé, Institut Mitovasc, université d'Angers, 49000 Angers, France
| | - M-P Revel
- Service de radiologie A, hôpital Cochin, Université de Paris, Assistance publique des Hôpitaux de Paris, 75014 Paris, France
| | - P-Y Salaün
- Inserm EA3878 (GETBO), service de médecine nucléaire, université de Bretagne occidentale, CHRU de Brest, 29200 Brest, France
| | - O Sanchez
- F-CRIN INNOVTE, 42055 St-Étienne cedex 2, France; Université de Paris, service de pneumologie et soins intensifs, AH-HP, hôpital Européen Georges-Pompidou, 75015 Paris, France; Innovations Thérapeutiques en Hémostase, INSERM UMRS 1140, 75006 Paris, France.
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12
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Bajc M, Schümichen C, Grüning T, Lindqvist A, Le Roux PY, Alatri A, Bauer RW, Dilic M, Neilly B, Verberne HJ, Delgado Bolton RC, Jonson B. EANM guideline for ventilation/perfusion single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) for diagnosis of pulmonary embolism and beyond. Eur J Nucl Med Mol Imaging 2019; 46:2429-2451. [PMID: 31410539 PMCID: PMC6813289 DOI: 10.1007/s00259-019-04450-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2019] [Accepted: 07/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
These guidelines update the previous EANM 2009 guidelines on the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism (PE). Relevant new aspects are related to (a) quantification of PE and other ventilation/perfusion defects; (b) follow-up of patients with PE; (c) chronic PE; and (d) description of additional pulmonary physiological changes leading to diagnoses of left ventricular heart failure (HF), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and pneumonia. The diagnosis of PE should be reported when a mismatch of one segment or two subsegments is found. For ventilation, Technegas or krypton gas is preferred over diethylene triamine pentaacetic acid (DTPA) in patients with COPD. Tomographic imaging with V/PSPECT has higher sensitivity and specificity for PE compared with planar imaging. Absence of contraindications makes V/PSPECT an essential method for the diagnosis of PE. When V/PSPECT is combined with a low-dose CT, the specificity of the test can be further improved, especially in patients with other lung diseases. Pitfalls in V/PSPECT interpretation are discussed. In conclusion, V/PSPECT is strongly recommended as it accurately establishes the diagnosis of PE even in the presence of diseases like COPD, HF and pneumonia and has no contraindications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marika Bajc
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Clinical Physiology and Nuclear Medicine, University of Lund, Lund, Sweden.
| | - Carl Schümichen
- University of Rostock, Formerly Clinic for Nuclear Medicine, Rostock, Germany
| | - Thomas Grüning
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospitals Plymouth, Plymouth, UK
| | - Ari Lindqvist
- Research Unit of Pulmonary Diseases, Clinical Research Institute, HUS Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | | | - Adriano Alatri
- Division of Angiology, Heart and Vessel Department, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Ralf W Bauer
- RNS Gemeinschaftspraxis, Wiesbaden, Germany
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Goethe University Frankfurt (Main), Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Mirza Dilic
- Clinic of Heart and Blood Vessel Disease, Clinical Center University of Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Brian Neilly
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Royal Infirmary, Glasgow, UK
| | - Hein J Verberne
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, Location AMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Roberto C Delgado Bolton
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging (Radiology) and Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital San Pedro and Centre for Biomedical Research of La Rioja (CIBIR), Logroño, La Rioja, Spain
| | - Bjorn Jonson
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Clinical Physiology and Nuclear Medicine, University of Lund, Lund, Sweden
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Abstract
Venous thromboembolism (VTE), referring to both deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, is a leading cause of death in the developed world during pregnancy. This increased risk is attributed to the Virchow triad, inherited thrombophilias, along with other standard risk factors, and continues for up to 6 to 12 weeks postpartum. During the peripartum period, women should be risk stratified and preventive measures should be initiated based on their risk. Diagnostic tests and treatment strategies commonly used in VTE differ in pregnancy. An understanding of these differences is imperative to diagnose with confidence and to treat appropriately.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Deeb Dado
- Pulmonary and Critical Care Fellowship, Rhode Island Hospital, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, 593 Eddy Street, Providence, RI 02903, USA
| | - Andrew Tobias Levinson
- Department of Medicine, The Miriam Hospital, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, 164 Summit Avenue, Providence, RI 02904, USA
| | - Ghada Bourjeily
- Department of Medicine, The Miriam Hospital, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, 146 West River Street, Suite 11C, Providence, RI 02904, USA.
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15
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Goodacre S, Horspool K, Shephard N, Pollard D, Hunt BJ, Fuller G, Nelson-Piercy C, Knight M, Thomas S, Lecky F, Cohen J. Selecting pregnant or postpartum women with suspected pulmonary embolism for diagnostic imaging: the DiPEP diagnostic study with decision-analysis modelling. Health Technol Assess 2019; 22:1-230. [PMID: 30178738 DOI: 10.3310/hta22470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a leading cause of death in pregnancy and post partum, but the symptoms of PE are common in normal pregnancy. Simple diagnostic tests are needed to select women for diagnostic imaging. OBJECTIVE To estimate the accuracy, effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of clinical features, decision rules and biomarkers for selecting pregnant or postpartum women with a suspected PE for imaging. DESIGN An expert consensus study to develop new clinical decision rules, a case-control study of women with a diagnosed PE or a suspected PE, a biomarker study of women with a suspected PE or diagnosed deep-vein thrombosis (DVT) and decision-analysis modelling. SETTING Emergency departments and consultant-led maternity units. PARTICIPANTS Pregnant/postpartum women with a diagnosed PE from any hospital reporting to the UK Obstetric Surveillance System research platform and pregnant/postpartum women with a suspected PE or diagnosed DVT at 11 prospectively recruiting sites. INTERVENTIONS Clinical features, decision rules and biomarkers. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Sensitivity, specificity, area under receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curve, quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) and health-care costs. RESULTS The primary analysis involved 181 women with PE and 259 women without PE in the case-control study and 18 women with DVT, 18 with PE and 247 women without either in the biomarker study. Most clinical features showed no association with PE. The AUROC curves for the clinical decision rules were as follows: primary consensus, 0.626; sensitive consensus, 0.620; specific consensus, 0.589; PE rule-out criteria, 0.621; simplified Geneva score, 0.579; Wells's PE criteria (permissive), 0.577; and Wells's PE criteria (strict), 0.732. The sensitivities and specificities of the D-dimer measurement were 88.4% and 8.8%, respectively, using a standard threshold, and 69.8% and 32.8%, respectively, using a pregnancy-specific threshold. Previous venous thromboembolism, long-haul travel, multiple pregnancy, oxygen saturation, recent surgery, temperature and PE-related chest radiograph abnormality were predictors of PE on multivariable analysis. We were unable to derive a rule through multivariable analysis or recursive partitioning with adequate accuracy. The AUROC curves for the biomarkers were as follows: activated partial thromboplastin time - 0.669, B-type natriuretic peptide - 0.549, C-reactive protein - 0.542, Clauss fibrinogen - 0.589, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay D-dimer - 0.668, Innovance D-dimer (Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics Products GmbH, distributed by Sysmex UK Ltd, Milton Keynes, UK) - 0.651, mid-regional pro-atrial natriuretic peptide (MRproANP) - 0.524, prothrombin fragment 1 + 2 - 0.562, plasmin-antiplasmin - 0.639, Prothombin time - 0.613, thrombin generation lag time - 0.702, thrombin generation endogenous potential - 0.559, thrombin generation peak - 0.596, thrombin generation time to peak - 0.655, tissue factor - 0.531 and troponin - 0.597. The repeat analysis excluding women who had received anticoagulation was limited by the small number of women with PE (n = 4). The health economic analysis showed that a strategy of scanning all women with a suspected PE accrued more QALYs and incurred fewer costs than any selective strategy based on a clinical decision rule and was therefore the dominant strategy. LIMITATIONS The findings apply specifically to the diagnostic assessment of women with a suspected PE in secondary care. CONCLUSIONS Clinical features, decision rules and biomarkers do not accurately, effectively or cost-effectively select pregnant or postpartum women with a suspected PE for diagnostic imaging. FUTURE WORK New diagnostic technologies need to be developed to detect PE in pregnancy. TRIAL REGISTRATION Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN21245595. FUNDING DETAILS This project was funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Technology Assessment programme and will be published in full in Health Technology Assessment; Vol. 22, No. 47. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steve Goodacre
- School of Health and Related Research, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Kimberley Horspool
- School of Health and Related Research, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Neil Shephard
- School of Health and Related Research, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Daniel Pollard
- School of Health and Related Research, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | | | - Gordon Fuller
- School of Health and Related Research, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | | | - Marian Knight
- National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Steven Thomas
- Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield, UK
| | - Fiona Lecky
- School of Health and Related Research, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Judith Cohen
- School of Health and Related Research, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
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Rate of Nondiagnostic Computerized Tomography Pulmonary Angiograms (CTPAs) Performed for the Diagnosis of Pulmonary Embolism in Pregnant and Immediately Postpartum Patients. Obstet Gynecol Int 2019; 2019:1432759. [PMID: 31049065 PMCID: PMC6458938 DOI: 10.1155/2019/1432759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2018] [Revised: 02/11/2019] [Accepted: 03/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To evaluate the nondiagnostic rate of computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA) in pregnant and postpartum patients with suspected pulmonary embolism (PE) to determine whether CTPA or ventilation-perfusion (VQ) scan should be considered first line imaging in this patient population considering their equivalent accuracy and the greater radiation exposure to proliferating breast tissue of CTPA. Methods All pregnant/postpartum female patients between 18 and 50 years of age who had CTPA within the Eastern Health Authority between November 2012 and November 2016 were included. Each scan was evaluated for nondiagnosis based on two criteria: contrast density in the main pulmonary artery, and respiratory motion artefact. If either of these criteria were not met, the scan was labelled as nondiagnostic. Results The nondiagnostic rate overall was 43% (n=83). This is similar to current literature values for rates of CTPA nondiagnosis, and comparable to the reported diagnostic quality of the reporting radiologist. This is much greater compared to rates of ventilation/perfusion nondiagnosis in comparable populations. Even in patients with normal chest radiographs, which represents the main patient group where VQ may be considered as an alternative, the nondiagnostic rate of CT is much higher. Conclusion This is the first study to attempt to identify an objective method of determining nondiagnosis in pregnant and postpartum patients undergoing a CTPA. Our results strengthen the argument that alternative imaging should be considered when investigating for PE in this population in order to protect the proliferating breast tissue, and VQ scan should be considered especially in patients with normal chest X-rays.
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Abstract
Pulmonary embolism in pregnancy is a leading cause of maternal mortality. The clinical presentation is often nonspecific, making imaging essential for accurate diagnosis. After reviewing the literature on the radiologic diagnosis of pulmonary embolism in pregnancy, we concluded that both computed tomography pulmonary angiography and lung perfusion scintigraphy are sensitive with high positive predictive values in the presence of high clinical suspicion, but lung perfusion scintigraphy is recommended given lower maternal breast exposure to ionizing radiation and lower fetal contrast exposure. However, if a chest x-ray is abnormal, computed tomography pulmonary angiography is preferred due to high nondiagnostic rates of lung perfusion scintigraphy.
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Righini M, Robert-Ebadi H, Elias A, Sanchez O, Le Moigne E, Schmidt J, Le Gall C, Cornuz J, Aujesky D, Roy PM, Chauleur C, Rutschmann OT, Poletti PA, Le Gal G. Diagnosis of Pulmonary Embolism During Pregnancy: A Multicenter Prospective Management Outcome Study. Ann Intern Med 2018; 169:766-773. [PMID: 30357273 DOI: 10.7326/m18-1670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Data on the optimal diagnostic management of pregnant women with suspected pulmonary embolism (PE) are limited, and guidelines provide inconsistent recommendations on use of diagnostic tests. OBJECTIVE To prospectively validate a diagnostic strategy in pregnant women with suspected PE. DESIGN Multicenter, multinational, prospective diagnostic management outcome study involving pretest clinical probability assessment, high-sensitivity D-dimer testing, bilateral lower limb compression ultrasonography (CUS), and computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA). (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT00740454). SETTING 11 centers in France and Switzerland between August 2008 and July 2016. PATIENTS Pregnant women with clinically suspected PE in emergency departments. INTERVENTION Pulmonary embolism was excluded in patients with a low or intermediate pretest clinical probability and a negative D-dimer result. All others underwent lower limb CUS and, if results were negative, CTPA. A ventilation-perfusion (V/Q) scan was done if CTPA results were inconclusive. Pulmonary embolism was excluded if results of the diagnostic work-up were negative, and untreated pregnant women had clinical follow-up at 3 months. MEASUREMENTS The primary outcome was the rate of adjudicated venous thromboembolic events during the 3-month follow-up. RESULTS 441 women were assessed for eligibility, and 395 were included in the study. Among these, PE was diagnosed in 28 (7.1%) (proximal deep venous thrombosis found on ultrasonography [n = 7], positive CTPA result [n = 19], and high-probability V/Q scan [n = 2]) and excluded in 367 (clinical probability and negative D-dimer result [n = 46], negative CTPA result [n = 290], normal or low-probability V/Q scan [n = 17], and other reason [n = 14]). Twenty-two women received extended anticoagulation during follow-up, mainly for previous venous thromboembolic disease. The rate of symptomatic venous thromboembolic events was 0.0% (95% CI, 0.0% to 1.0%) among untreated women after exclusion of PE on the basis of negative results on the diagnostic work-up. LIMITATION There were several protocol deviations, reflecting the difficulty of performing studies in pregnant women with suspected PE. CONCLUSION A diagnostic strategy based on assessment of clinical probability, D-dimer measurement, CUS, and CTPA can safely rule out PE in pregnant women. PRIMARY FUNDING SOURCE Swiss National Foundation for Scientific Research, Groupe d'Etude de la Thrombose de Bretagne Occidentale, and International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Righini
- Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland (M.R., H.R., O.T.R., P.P.)
| | - Helia Robert-Ebadi
- Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland (M.R., H.R., O.T.R., P.P.)
| | | | - Olivier Sanchez
- Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, and Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, Paris, France (O.S.)
| | - Emmanuelle Le Moigne
- INSERM UMR S 1140, Paris, France, F-CRIN INNOVTE, Saint-Etienne, France, and Université de Brest, Brest, France (E.L.)
| | - Jeannot Schmidt
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Clermont-Ferrand, Clermont-Ferrand, France (J.S.)
| | | | - Jacques Cornuz
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Lausanne, Switzerland (J.C.)
| | - Drahomir Aujesky
- Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland (D.A.)
| | | | - Céline Chauleur
- INSERM U1059, University of Lyon, and University Hospital, Saint-Etienne, France (C.C.)
| | | | | | - Grégoire Le Gal
- Université de Brest, Brest, France, and Ottawa Health Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada (G.L.)
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19
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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.
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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
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20
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Kirsch J, Brown RKJ, Henry TS, Javidan-Nejad C, Jokerst C, Julsrud PR, Kanne JP, Kramer CM, Leipsic JA, Panchal KK, Ravenel JG, Shah AB, Mohammed TL, Woodard PK, Abbara S. ACR Appropriateness Criteria ® Acute Chest Pain-Suspected Pulmonary Embolism. J Am Coll Radiol 2018; 14:S2-S12. [PMID: 28473076 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacr.2017.02.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2017] [Revised: 02/06/2017] [Accepted: 02/07/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Pulmonary embolism (PE) remains a common and important clinical condition that cannot be accurately diagnosed on the basis of signs, symptoms, and history alone. The diagnosis of PE has been facilitated by technical advancements and multidetector CT pulmonary angiography, which is the major diagnostic modality currently used. Ventilation and perfusion scans remain largely accurate and useful in certain settings. Lower-extremity ultrasound can substitute by demonstrating deep vein thrombosis; however, if negative, further studies to exclude PE are indicated. In all cases, correlation with the clinical status, particularly with risk factors, improves not only the accuracy of diagnostic imaging but also overall utilization. Other diagnostic tests have limited roles. The American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed annually by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and revision include an extensive analysis of current medical literature from peer-reviewed journals and the application of well-established methodologies (RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation or GRADE) to rate the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures for specific clinical scenarios. In those instances where evidence is lacking or equivocal, expert opinion may supplement the available evidence to recommend imaging or treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jacobo Kirsch
- Principal Author, Cleveland Clinic, Weston, Florida.
| | | | - Travis S Henry
- University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Cylen Javidan-Nejad
- Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri
| | | | | | - Jeffrey P Kanne
- University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Christopher M Kramer
- University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, Virginia; American College of Cardiology
| | | | | | - James G Ravenel
- Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Amar B Shah
- Westchester Medical Center, Valhalla, New York
| | - Tan-Lucien Mohammed
- Specialty Chair, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Pamela K Woodard
- Specialty Chair, Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri
| | - Suhny Abbara
- Panel Chair, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
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21
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Morton A, Teasdale S. Review article: Investigations and the pregnant woman in the emergency department - part 2: Point-of-care ultrasound, electrocardiography, respiratory function tests and radiology. Emerg Med Australas 2018; 30:749-753. [PMID: 29577627 DOI: 10.1111/1742-6723.12956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2018] [Accepted: 02/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Accurate assessment of the pregnant patient in the ED depends on knowledge of physiological changes in pregnancy, and how these changes may impact on pathology tests, appearance on point-of-care ultrasound, electrocardiography and respiratory function tests. In addition, the emergency physician needs to be cognisant of disorders that are unique to or more common during pregnancy. Part 2 of this review addresses the role of point-of-care ultrasound in pregnancy, physiological changes that may affect interpretation of point-of-care ultrasound, changes in electrocardiography and respiratory function tests, and the safety of radiological procedures in the pregnant patient. Part 1 addressed potential deviations in laboratory investigation reference intervals resulting from physiological alterations in pregnancy and the important causes of abnormal laboratory results in pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Morton
- Mater Health and The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Stephanie Teasdale
- Mater Health and The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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22
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Should Dual-Energy Computed Tomography Pulmonary Angiography Replace Single-Energy Computed Tomography Pulmonary Angiography in Pregnant and Postpartum Patients? J Comput Assist Tomogr 2018; 42:25-32. [PMID: 28786905 DOI: 10.1097/rct.0000000000000655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The study aims to compare single-energy (SE) and dual-energy (DE) computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA) for evaluation of suspected pulmonary embolism in pregnant and postpartum patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS Our study included 59 CTPA performed in pregnant/postpartum women (study group) comprised of 38 SE-CTPA and 21 DE-CTPA. The control group of 21 age- and weight-matched nonpregnant/nonpostpartum women underwent DE-CTPA. Two radiologists assessed pulmonary arterial enhancement, image quality, and artifacts. κ Test and analysis of variance were performed. RESULTS Fourteen of 38 pregnant/postpartum women (37%) had suboptimal SE-CTPA compared with just 10% (2/21) suboptimal DE-CTPA studies (P = 0.02). Mean Hounsfield unit (HU) in the pulmonary trunk was 550 ± 68 HU in the DE-CTPA pregnant/postpartum group and 245 ± 12 HU in the SE-CTPA (P < 0.001). The mean volume computed tomography dose index in the pregnant/postpartum patients for DE-CTPA and SE-CTPA were 9 ± 2 and 19 ± 8 mGy, respectively (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Dual-energy CTPA substantially increased arterial enhancement for evaluation of pulmonary embolism in pregnant and postpartum women compared with SE-CTPA.
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Abstract
Acute chest pain is a leading cause of Emergency Department visits. Computed tomography angiography plays a vital diagnostic role in such cases, but there are several common challenges associated with the imaging of acute chest pain, which, if unrecognized, can lead to an inconclusive or incorrect diagnosis. These imaging challenges fall broadly into 3 categories: (1) image acquisition, (2) image interpretation (including physiological and pathologic mimics), and (3) result communication. The aims of this review are to describe and illustrate the most common challenges in the imaging of acute chest pain and to provide solutions that will facilitate accurate diagnosis of the causes of acute chest pain in the emergency setting.
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24
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Isidoro J, Gil P, Costa G, Pedroso de Lima J, Alves C, Ferreira NC. Radiation dose comparison between V/P-SPECT and CT-angiography in the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism. Phys Med 2017; 41:93-96. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmp.2017.04.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2016] [Revised: 04/26/2017] [Accepted: 04/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
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Sheen JJ, Haramati LB, Natenzon A, Ma H, Tropper P, Bader AS, Freeman LM, Bernstein PS, Moadel RM. Performance of Low-Dose Perfusion Scintigraphy and CT Pulmonary Angiography for Pulmonary Embolism in Pregnancy. Chest 2017; 153:152-160. [PMID: 28823756 DOI: 10.1016/j.chest.2017.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2017] [Revised: 07/06/2017] [Accepted: 08/01/2017] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The symptoms of normal pregnancy overlap those of pulmonary embolism (PE). Limited literature suggests that low-dose perfusion scanning (LDQ), which yields lower maternal-fetal radiation exposure than CT pulmonary angiography (CTPA), performs well in excluding PE in pregnant patients. METHODS We performed a retrospective cohort study of sequential pregnant women who underwent imaging for PE with LDQ or CTPA between 2008 and 2013 at Montefiore Medical Center. Our practice recommends LDQ for patients with negative results on chest radiographs. Patients were categorized according to initial imaging modality, and a subgroup analysis was performed in patients with asthma. The primary outcome was the negative predictive value (NPV) of imaging determined by VTE diagnosis within 90 days. RESULTS Of 322 pregnant women (mean age, 27.3 ± 6.3 years), initial imaging was positive for PE in 2.7% (6 of 225) of LDQs and 4.1% (4 of 97) of CTPAs, negative in 88.0% (198 of 225) of LDQs and 86.6% (84 of 97) of CTPAs, and indeterminate/nondiagnostic in 9.3% (21 of 225) of LDQs and 9.3% (9 of 97) of CTPAs (P = .79). Ten patients (3.1%) were treated for PE. The NPV was 100% for LDQ and 97.5% for CTPA. Subgroup analysis of patients with asthma (23.9% of this population) revealed a high likelihood of a negative study in the LDQ and CTPA groups (74.1% and 87.0%, respectively) and 100% NPV for both modalities. CONCLUSIONS PE is an uncommon diagnosis in pregnancy. LDQ and CTPA perform well, with less maternal-fetal radiation exposure with LDQ. Therefore, when available, LDQ is a reasonable first-choice modality for suspected PE in pregnant women with a negative result on chest radiograph.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Ju Sheen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology & Women's Health, Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY
| | - Linda B Haramati
- Department of Radiology, Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY; Department of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY
| | - Anna Natenzon
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology & Women's Health, Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY
| | - Hong Ma
- Department of Radiology, Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY
| | - Pamela Tropper
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology & Women's Health, Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY
| | - Anna S Bader
- Department of Radiology, Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY
| | - Leonard M Freeman
- Department of Radiology, Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY
| | - Peter S Bernstein
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology & Women's Health, Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY
| | - Renee M Moadel
- Department of Radiology, Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY.
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"Pulmonary embolism diagnostics of pregnant patients: What is the recommended clinical pathway considering the clinical value and associated radiation risks of available imaging tests?". Phys Med 2017; 43:178-185. [PMID: 28760505 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmp.2017.07.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2017] [Revised: 07/13/2017] [Accepted: 07/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary embolism (PE) during pregnancy remains the leading preventable cause of maternal morbidity and mortality in the developed countries. Diagnosis of PE in pregnant patients is a challenging clinical problem, since pregnancy-related physiologic changes can mimic signs and symptoms of PE. Patient mismanagement may result into unjustified anticoagulant treatment or unnecessary imaging tests involving contrast-related or/and radiation-related risks for both the expectant mother and embryo/fetus. On the other hand, missing or delaying diagnosis of PE could lead to life-threatening conditions for both the mother and the embryo/fetus. Thus, a timely and accurate diagnostic approach is required for the optimal management of pregnant patients with suspected PE. Aim of the current review is to discuss a pregnancy-specific clinical pathway for the early diagnosis of PE with non-ionizing radiation- and ionizing radiation-based imaging modalities taking into account previously reported data on diagnostic value of available imaging tests, and radiation related concerns.
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27
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Wan T, Skeith L, Karovitch A, Rodger M, Le Gal G. Guidance for the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism during pregnancy: Consensus and controversies. Thromb Res 2017; 157:23-28. [PMID: 28686913 DOI: 10.1016/j.thromres.2017.06.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2017] [Revised: 06/19/2017] [Accepted: 06/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Pulmonary embolism (PE) is one of the leading causes of maternal mortality despite a low incidence of PE during pregnancy. Several challenges surround the diagnosis of PE in pregnant women and the existing clinical guidelines provide weak recommendations on selecting the appropriate investigations for suspected PE in pregnancy. The purpose of this narrative review is to compare and contrast the recommendations of current clinical guidelines and review the evidence underpinning the recommendations on the evaluation of suspected PE in pregnancy. Consensus and controversies, knowledge gaps and areas requiring further research will be highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tony Wan
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Leslie Skeith
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Alan Karovitch
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Marc Rodger
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Grégoire Le Gal
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
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Siegel Y, Kuker R, Banks J, Danton G. CT pulmonary angiogram quality comparison between early and later pregnancy. Emerg Radiol 2017; 24:635-640. [DOI: 10.1007/s10140-017-1506-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2017] [Accepted: 04/12/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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van Mens TE, Scheres LJJ, de Jong PG, Leeflang MMG, Nijkeuter M, Middeldorp S. Imaging for the exclusion of pulmonary embolism in pregnancy. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2017; 1:CD011053. [PMID: 28124411 PMCID: PMC6464730 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd011053.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pulmonary embolism is a leading cause of pregnancy-related death. An accurate diagnosis in pregnant patients is crucial to prevent untreated pulmonary embolism as well as unnecessary anticoagulant treatment and future preventive measures. Applied imaging techniques might perform differently in these younger patients with less comorbidity and altered physiology, who largely have been excluded from diagnostic studies. OBJECTIVES To determine the diagnostic accuracy of computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA), lung scintigraphy and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) for the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism during pregnancy. SEARCH METHODS We searched MEDLINE and Embase until July 2015. We used included studies as seeds in citations searches and in 'find similar' functions and searched reference lists. We approached experts in the field to help us identify non-indexed studies. SELECTION CRITERIA We included consecutive series of pregnant patients suspected of pulmonary embolism who had undergone one of the index tests (computed tomography (CT) pulmonary angiography, lung scintigraphy or MRA) and clinical follow-up or pulmonary angiography as a reference test. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two review authors performed data extraction and quality assessment. We contacted investigators of potentially eligible studies to obtain missing information. In the primary analysis, we regarded inconclusive index test results as a negative reference test, and treatment for pulmonary embolism after an inconclusive index test as a positive reference test. MAIN RESULTS We included 11 studies (four CTPA, five lung scintigraphy, two both) with a total of 695 CTPA and 665 lung scintigraphy results. Lung scintigraphy was applied by different techniques. No MRA studies matched our inclusion criteria.Overall, risk of bias and concerns regarding applicability were high in all studies as judged in light of the review research question, as was heterogeneity in study methods. We did not undertake meta-analysis. All studies used clinical follow-up as a reference standard, none in a manner that enabled reliable identification of false positives. Sensitivity and negative predictive value were therefore the only valid test accuracy measures.The median negative predictive value for CTPA was 100% (range 96% to 100%). Median sensitivity was 83% (range 0% to 100%).The median negative predictive value for lung scintigraphy was 100% (range 99% to 100%). Median sensitivity was 100% (range 0% to 100%).The median frequency of inconclusive results was 5.9% (range 0.9% to 36%) for CTPA and 4.0% (range 0% to 23%) for lung scintigraphy. The overall median prevalence of pulmonary embolism was 3.3% (range 0.0% to 8.7%). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Both CTPA and lung scintigraphy seem appropriate for exclusion of pulmonary embolism during pregnancy. However, the quality of the evidence mandates cautious adoption of this conclusion. Important limitations included poor reference standards, necessary assumptions in the analysis regarding inconclusive test results and the inherent inability of included studies to identify false positives. It is unclear which test has the highest accuracy. There is a need for direct comparisons between diagnostic methods, including MR, in prospective randomized diagnostic studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thijs E van Mens
- Academic Medical CenterDepartment of Vascular MedicineMeibergdreef 9AmsterdamNetherlands1105 AZ
| | - Luuk JJ Scheres
- Academic Medical CenterDepartment of Vascular MedicineMeibergdreef 9AmsterdamNetherlands1105 AZ
| | - Paulien G de Jong
- Academic Medical CenterDepartment of Vascular MedicineMeibergdreef 9AmsterdamNetherlands1105 AZ
| | - Mariska MG Leeflang
- Academic Medical Center, University of AmsterdamDepartment of Clinical Epidemiology, Biostatistics and BioinformaticsP.O. Box 22700AmsterdamNetherlands1100 DE
| | - Mathilde Nijkeuter
- Academic Medical CenterDepartment of Vascular MedicineMeibergdreef 9AmsterdamNetherlands1105 AZ
- University Medical Centre UtrechtDepartment of Internal MedicineHeidelberglaan 100UtrechtNetherlands3584 CX
| | - Saskia Middeldorp
- Academic Medical CenterDepartment of Vascular MedicineMeibergdreef 9AmsterdamNetherlands1105 AZ
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Algoritmo para el diagnóstico y el seguimiento de la tromboembolia pulmonar aguda. RADIOLOGIA 2017; 59:75-87. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rx.2016.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2016] [Revised: 10/04/2016] [Accepted: 10/26/2016] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
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Doğan H, de Roos A, Geleijins J, Huisman MV, Kroft LJM. The role of computed tomography in the diagnosis of acute and chronic pulmonary embolism. Diagn Interv Radiol 2016; 21:307-16. [PMID: 26133321 DOI: 10.5152/dir.2015.14403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a potentially life threatening condition requiring adequate diagnosis and treatment. Computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA) is excellent for including and excluding PE, therefore CT is the first-choice diagnostic imaging technique in patients suspected of having acute PE. Due to its wide availability and low invasiveness, CTPA tends to be overused. Correct implementation of clinical decision rules in diagnostic workup for PE improves adequate use of CT. Also, CT adds prognostic value by evaluating right ventricular (RV) function. CT-assessed RV dysfunction and to lesser extent central emboli location predicts PE-related mortality in normotensive and hypotensive patients, while PE embolic obstruction index has limited prognostic value. Simple RV/left ventricular (LV) diameter ratio measures >1.0 already predict risk for adverse outcome, whereas ratios <1.0 can safely exclude adverse outcome. Consequently, assessing the RV/LV diameter ratio may help identify patients who are potential candidates for treatment at home instead of treatment in the hospital. A minority of patients develop chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) following acute PE, which is a life-threatening condition that can be diagnosed by CT. In proximal CTEPH, involving the more central pulmonary arteries, thrombectomy usually results in good outcome in terms of both functional status and long-term survival rate. CT is becoming the imaging method of choice for diagnosing CTEPH as it can identify patients who may benefit from thrombectomy. New CT developments such as distensibility measurements and dual-energy or subtraction techniques may further refine diagnosis and prognosis for improved patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Halil Doğan
- Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.
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de Oliveira ALML, Marques MA. Profilaxia de tromboembolismo venoso na gestação. J Vasc Bras 2016; 15:293-301. [PMID: 29930607 PMCID: PMC5829728 DOI: 10.1590/1677-5449.006616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2016] [Accepted: 12/14/2016] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
O tromboembolismo venoso é importante causa de morbidade e mortalidade obstétrica. Durante a gestação, o risco de sua ocorrência aumenta entre cinco e dez vezes quando comparado ao de mulheres não gestantes de mesma idade. Associado a esse fato, a gestante apresenta algumas limitações para o diagnóstico clínico (alta frequência de dor e edema nos membros inferiores), ecográfico (menor sensibilidade e especificidade no diagnóstico de trombose venosa de ilíaca com a evolução da gestação) e laboratorial (o D-dímero apresenta aumento progressivo no decorrer da gravidez). Uma estratificação criteriosa de risco de tromboembolismo venoso de cada mulher antes da gestação pode diminuir a incidência dessa doença, frequente e de difícil diagnóstico na gravidez, e suas complicações.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marcos Arêas Marques
- Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro – UERJ, Hospital Universitário Pedro Ernesto – HUPE, Angiologia, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil.
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Simcox LE, Ormesher L, Tower C, Greer IA. Pulmonary thrombo-embolism in pregnancy: diagnosis and management. Breathe (Sheff) 2016; 11:282-9. [PMID: 27066121 PMCID: PMC4818214 DOI: 10.1183/20734735.008815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
KEY POINTS Venous thromboembolism (VTE) in pregnancy remains a leading cause of direct maternal mortality in the developed world and identifiable risk factors are increasing in incidence.VTE is approximately 10-times more common in the pregnant population (compared with non-pregnant women) with an incidence of 1 in 1000 and the highest risk in the postnatal period.If pulmonary imaging is required, ventilation perfusion scanning is usually the preferred initial test to detect pulmonary embolism within pregnancy. Treatment should be commenced on clinical suspicion and not be withheld until an objective diagnosis is obtained.The mainstay of treatment for pulmonary thromboembolism in pregnancy is anticoagulation with low molecular weight heparin for a minimum of 3 months in total duration and until at least 6 weeks postnatal. Low molecular weight heparin is safe, effective and has a low associated bleeding risk. EDUCATIONAL AIMS To inform readers about the current guidance for diagnosis and management of pulmonary thromboembolism in pregnancy.To highlight the risks of venous thromboembolism during pregnancy.To introduce the issues surrounding management of pulmonary thromboembolism around labour and delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise E Simcox
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Institute of Human Development, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK; St. Mary's Hospital, Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Laura Ormesher
- St. Mary's Hospital, Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Clare Tower
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Institute of Human Development, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK; St. Mary's Hospital, Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
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Grüning T, Mingo RE, Gosling MG, Farrell SL, Drake BE, Loader RJ, Riordan RD. Diagnosing venous thromboembolism in pregnancy. Br J Radiol 2016; 89:20160021. [PMID: 27055494 DOI: 10.1259/bjr.20160021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We report the imaging outcomes of all pregnant patients referred for suspected thromboembolism over a 43-month period. METHODS We identified 168 patients who underwent ventilation/perfusion (VQ) single-photon emission CT (SPECT), CT pulmonary angiography (CTPA) or a Doppler ultrasound scan of the lower legs, as well as a control group of 89 non-pregnant age- and sex-matched patients who underwent VQ SPECT during the same period. Imaging outcomes were recorded, and radiation doses were calculated for individual patients. RESULTS VQ SPECT and CTPA were equally likely to diagnose pulmonary embolism (PE) in about one patient out of every seven patients investigated. One in three CTPA scans was of suboptimal quality. A Doppler ultrasound examination of the legs will find deep venous thrombosis much less often, in about 1 patient out of every 15 patients investigated. The prevalence of PE in pregnant patients (as diagnosed by VQ SPECT) was similar to that in the non-pregnant, age- and sex-matched control group. The effective dose and the absorbed radiation dose to the maternal breast were lower with VQ SPECT. The foetal dose is comparable for both VQ SPECT and CTPA. CONCLUSION VQ SPECT and CTPA provide a similar diagnostic yield for diagnosing PE during pregnancy, but VQ SPECT does so with a lower radiation dose to the mother (effective dose and breast dose). ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE Ours is the first report of the diagnostic performance of VQ SPECT, rather than planar VQ scans, in pregnancy in a routine clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Grüning
- 1 Department of Nuclear Medicine, Derriford Hospital, Plymouth, UK
| | - Rebecca E Mingo
- 1 Department of Nuclear Medicine, Derriford Hospital, Plymouth, UK
| | - Matthew G Gosling
- 2 Department of Clinical and Radiation Physics, Derriford Hospital, Plymouth, UK
| | - Sally L Farrell
- 1 Department of Nuclear Medicine, Derriford Hospital, Plymouth, UK
| | - Brent E Drake
- 1 Department of Nuclear Medicine, Derriford Hospital, Plymouth, UK
| | - Robert J Loader
- 2 Department of Clinical and Radiation Physics, Derriford Hospital, Plymouth, UK
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Moradi M, Monfared LJ. Qualitative evaluation of pulmonary CT angiography findings in pregnant and postpartum women with suspected pulmonary thromboembolism. JOURNAL OF RESEARCH IN MEDICAL SCIENCES 2016; 20:1088-93. [PMID: 26941814 PMCID: PMC4755097 DOI: 10.4103/1735-1995.172834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Background: Considering the importance of using more appropriate imaging technique for accurate diagnosis of pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) with less side effects, we aimed to evaluate the quality of pulmonary 64-multidetector computed tomographic (MDCT) angiography in pregnant and postpartum women with suspected PTE in Isfahan. Materials and Methods: In this descriptive study, radiological findings of pregnant and postpartum women with suspected PTE who underwent pulmonary 64-MDCT angiography were evaluated. Prevalence of PTE in pregnant and postpartum women, mean of pulmonary arteries density for right and left pulmonary arteries, and their lobar and segmental branches, diagnostic quality of the pulmonary arteries density and their scoring, frequency of diagnostic and nondiagnostic images, mean of radiation dose and mean of bolus time, and the correlation between the quality of the vascular density with the peak density of the pulmonary artery were determined. Results: In this study, 44 pregnant and postpartum women with suspected PTE were selected. The overall prevalence of PTE was 9.1% (4/44). PTE was diagnosed in 1 (3.7%) pregnant and 3 (17.5%) postpartum women (P = 0.14). Mean density of pulmonary trunk was 278.81± 108.16 Hounsfield unit (HU) and 308.41 ± 59.30 HU in pregnant and postpartum women, respectively. Mean of bolus timing, kilovoltage peak (kVp), tube current, and dose length product (DLP) were 12.53 ± 2.36 s, 105.22± 45.71 milliamperage (MA), 382.9 ± 173.5 MA, and 317.98 ± 78.92 mGy/cm, respectively. The rate of nondiagnostic images was 4.5%. Conclusion: Our findings indicated that pulmonary 64-MDCT angiography is an appropriate imaging method for diagnosing PTE in pregnant and postpartum women with suspected PTE. It seems that, using fast CT systems (64-MDCT), in accordance with high flow rate, high contrast medium concentration and low kVp could explain the obtained appropriate quality of images more efficiently than computed tomographic pulmonary angiography (CTPA).
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Moradi
- Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Leyla Jalali Monfared
- Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
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Karia S, Screaton N. Pulmonary embolism. IMAGING 2016. [DOI: 10.1183/2312508x.10002615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
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Shahir K, McCrea JM, Lozano LAS, Goodman LR. Reduced z-axis technique for CT Pulmonary angiography in pregnancy—validation for practical use and dose reduction. Emerg Radiol 2015; 22:651-6. [DOI: 10.1007/s10140-015-1340-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2015] [Accepted: 08/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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Emergency Evaluation for Pulmonary Embolism, Part 2: Diagnostic Approach. J Emerg Med 2015; 49:104-17. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jemermed.2014.12.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2014] [Revised: 12/17/2014] [Accepted: 12/21/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review provides a concise and complete overview of diagnostic work-up and treatment of venous thromboembolism in pregnancy, with attention to recent research developments and recent applicable guidelines. This may be useful for all the players of the multidisciplinary interaction needed in this disease management, namely cardiologists and gynecological/obstetric teams. RECENT FINDINGS Venous thromboembolism is, in the developed world, a major cause of maternal morbidity and mortality during pregnancy or early after delivery, with a reported incidence ranging from 0.49 to 2.0 events per 1000 deliveries. It is a particularly challenging issue and there is no common consensus on the major themes of this condition. Diagnostic options, prophylaxis and management, in the antenatal, childbirth and postnatal periods, are carefully analyzed in the light of the most recent published data. Besides, old and recent knowledge must be seen through the clinician's skilled and watchful eyes, deciding on a case-to-case and actively contributing in reducing pregnancy-related morbidity. SUMMARY Although there is an ongoing debate on various aspects of this condition and there is a paucity of high-quality studies, this review attempts to simplify the complex aspects of joining safety and efficacy in diagnosing and treating a possible two-people life-threatening disease.
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V/P SPECT as a diagnostic tool for pregnant women with suspected pulmonary embolism. Eur J Nucl Med Mol Imaging 2015; 42:1325-30. [PMID: 25916742 PMCID: PMC4480826 DOI: 10.1007/s00259-015-3056-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2015] [Accepted: 03/18/2015] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Purpose The purpose of the study was to assess the prevalence of pulmonary embolism (PE) and other lung diseases among pregnant women with suspected PE and to calculate the radiation exposure to patient and fetus in this population. As a secondary aim, we evaluated the negative predictive value of a normal ventilation/perfusion single photon emission computed tomography (V/P SPECT) examination in pregnancy. Methods We studied all 127 pregnant women who had suspected PE and had undergone V/P SPECT at our institution in the course of a 5-year period. Radiation exposure to patient and fetus and the negative predictive value of a normal V/P SPECT examination were also measured. Results V/P SPECT identified PE in 11 women (9 %). Moreover, in 15 women (12 %) the examination revealed pneumonia (in 2 cases in addition to PE) and in 1 woman signs of airway obstruction were revealed. Among the 116/127 women (91 %) where PE was ruled out by V/P SPECT, none was diagnosed subsequently with PE or deep venous thrombosis (DVT) during the same pregnancy or puerperal period. For P SPECT, the calculated fetal absorbed dose was < 0.6 mGy,and the calculated breast absorbed dose 0.6 mGy. For V SPECT, the calculated fetal absorbed dose was < 0.014 mGy and the breast absorbed dose 0.25 mGy. Conclusion The prevalence of PE was low (9 %) among pregnant women with suspected disease. Pneumonia was diagnosed in 12 % of patients. The negative predictive value of V/P SPECT was high, and the radiation exposure from V/P SPECT was low both for fetus and patient.
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Moriarty JM, Bolster F, O'Connor C, Fitzpatrick P, Lawler LP, Kavanagh EC, MacMahon PJ, Murray JG. Frequency of nonthromboembolic imaging abnormalities in pregnant women referred for computed tomography pulmonary arteriography. Can Assoc Radiol J 2015; 66:24-9. [PMID: 25623008 DOI: 10.1016/j.carj.2014.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2014] [Revised: 10/07/2014] [Accepted: 11/26/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The study sought to determine the frequency of nonthromboembolic imaging abnormalities in pregnant women referred for computed tomography pulmonary arteriography (CTPA). MATERIALS AND METHODS CTPA studies on 100 consecutive pregnant women performed over a 5-year period were reviewed independently by 2 radiologists, with conflicts resolved by consensus. Age range was 18-43 years (mean 28 years). The presence or absence of pulmonary embolism and of nonthromboembolic imaging abnormalities was recorded. These were graded as A if the abnormalities were thought to provide potential alternative explanations for acute symptoms, B if findings were incidental that required clinical or radiologic follow-up, and C if the findings did not require further action. RESULTS Pulmonary embolism was seen in 5 women. In 2 of these additional findings of consolidation and infarction were seen. Ninety-five women did not have pulmonary embolism. Eleven women (12%) had grade A abnormalities; 6 cases of consolidation, 2 cases of lobar collapse, and 3 cases of heart failure with pleural effusions. One woman had a grade B abnormality due to the presence of pulmonary nodules. Ten women had incidental grade C abnormalities. CONCLUSION Pulmonary embolism occurs in 5% of pregnant women referred for CTPA. In pregnant women without embolism on CTPA, potential alternative causes for patient symptoms are seen on CT in 12% of cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- John M Moriarty
- David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Diagnostic Cardiovascular Imaging, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Ferdia Bolster
- Department of Radiology, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.
| | - Clare O'Connor
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Rotunda Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Patricia Fitzpatrick
- School of Public Health and Population Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Leo P Lawler
- Department of Radiology, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Eoin C Kavanagh
- Department of Radiology, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Peter J MacMahon
- Department of Radiology, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - John G Murray
- Department of Radiology, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
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Jordan EJ, Godelman A, Levsky JM, Zalta B, Haramati LB. CT pulmonary angiography in pregnant and postpartum women: low yield, high dose. Clin Imaging 2015; 39:251-3. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clinimag.2014.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2014] [Revised: 10/08/2014] [Accepted: 11/10/2014] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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Kline JA, Richardson DM, Than MP, Penaloza A, Roy PM. Systematic review and meta-analysis of pregnant patients investigated for suspected pulmonary embolism in the emergency department. Acad Emerg Med 2014; 21:949-59. [PMID: 25269575 DOI: 10.1111/acem.12471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2014] [Revised: 05/05/2014] [Accepted: 05/09/2014] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Pregnancy causes a small increase in risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE), but a large increase in concern upon presentation to an emergency department (ED) with symptoms of pulmonary embolism (PE), which may cause physicians to employ a low test threshold. This was a systematic review with the hypothesis that symptomatic pregnant patients in the ED have a low relative risk (RR) for VTE outcome. METHODS Studies in all languages were identified by structured search of PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane library, and bibliographies in February 2014. Papers with ED patients evaluated for possible PE that included pregnancy status, and had adequate reference standards, were included. An outcome of VTE (either deep venous thrombosis [DVT] or PE) was considered disease-positive (VTE+). Papers were assessed for selection and publication bias, and heterogeneity (I(2) ). The random effects model was used if I(2) > 24%. RESULTS Seventeen full-length studies of 25,339 patients were analyzed. Pooled data showed I² = 0% with a symmetrical funnel plot. Two small studies with less than 1% of all patients had evidence of selection bias. The frequency of VTE+ rate among the 506 pregnant patients was 4.1% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.6% to 6.0%), compared with 12.4% (95% CI = 9.0% to 16.3%) among nonpregnant patients. The pooled RR of pregnancy for VTE+ diagnosis was 0.60 (95% CI = 0.41 to 0.87). Patients in the third trimester had a RR of 0.85 (95% CI = 0.40 to 1.77), and patients of childbearing age (≤45 years) had a RR of 0.56 (95% CI = 0.34 to 0.93). CONCLUSIONS In the ED setting, physicians test for PE in pregnant patients at a low threshold, resulting in a low rate of VTE diagnosis and a RR of VTE that is lower than that for nonpregnant women of childbearing age who are tested for PE in the ED setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey A. Kline
- The Department of Emergency Medicine; Indianapolis IN
- The Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology; Indianapolis IN
- Indiana University School of Medicine; Indianapolis IN
| | | | - Martin P. Than
- The Department of Emergency Medicine; Christchurch Hospital; Christchurch New Zealand
| | - Andrea Penaloza
- The Emergency Department; Cliniques Universitaires St-Luc; Brussels Belgium
| | - Pierre-Marie Roy
- The Department of Emergency Medicine; LUNAM Université; Angers France
- CHU Angers; Université d'Angers; Angers France
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Goodacre S, Nelson-Piercy C, Hunt B, Chan WS. When should we use diagnostic imaging to investigate for pulmonary embolism in pregnant and postpartum women? Emerg Med J 2014; 32:78-82. [DOI: 10.1136/emermed-2014-203871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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Chan WS, Rey E, Kent NE, Chan WS, Kent NE, Rey E, Corbett T, David M, Douglas MJ, Gibson PS, Magee L, Rodger M, Smith RE. Venous Thromboembolism and Antithrombotic Therapy in Pregnancy. JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY CANADA 2014; 36:527-53. [DOI: 10.1016/s1701-2163(15)30569-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Perisinakis K, Seimenis I, Tzedakis A, Damilakis J. Perfusion Scintigraphy Versus 256-Slice CT Angiography in Pregnant Patients Suspected of Pulmonary Embolism: Comparison of Radiation Risks. J Nucl Med 2014; 55:1273-80. [DOI: 10.2967/jnumed.114.137968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2014] [Accepted: 04/25/2014] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
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Evaluation of imaging quality of pulmonary 64-MDCT angiography in pregnancy and puerperium. AJR Am J Roentgenol 2014; 202:60-4. [PMID: 24370129 DOI: 10.2214/ajr.12.9917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to quantitatively and qualitatively evaluate pulmonary 64-MDCT angiography image quality in pregnancy and puerperium, compared with female nonpregnant control subjects. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study group comprised 124 consecutive pregnant and postpartum women and 124 female nonpregnant control subjects who presented with suspected pulmonary embolism. The individual studies were evaluated for subjective and objective diagnostic quality. RESULTS Objective measurements of the arterial enhancement in the pulmonary trunk and left and right pulmonary arteries found that there was no statistically significant difference in attenuation values between the pregnant and puerperium group and the control group for pulmonary artery opacification. The mean attenuation in the pulmonary trunk was 270.54 HU in the pregnant group, 277.53 HU in the puerperium group, and 293.90 HU in the control group. CONCLUSION We found no significant difference in diagnostic quality of pulmonary CT angiography using MDCT between the study and control groups. The use of MDCT acquisition, faster injection rates, higher contrast medium concentration, and higher trigger levels may decrease the number of nondiagnostic studies in this population. MDCT may be a worthwhile investigation in the majority of pregnant patients with suspected pulmonary embolism.
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Kanaan Y, Knoepp UD, Kelly AM. The influence of education on appropriateness rates for CT pulmonary angiography in emergency department patients. Acad Radiol 2013; 20:1107-14. [PMID: 23931424 DOI: 10.1016/j.acra.2013.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2013] [Revised: 05/04/2013] [Accepted: 05/04/2013] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES To evaluate appropriate utilization rates for computed tomography (CT) pulmonary angiography (CTPA) in a tertiary center emergency department (ED), before and after a health care provider educational intervention. MATERIALS AND METHODS Institutional Review Board-approved retrospective study. Records for 100 consecutive CTPA studies ordered by the ED were retrieved from a radiology database. Appropriateness rates for the studies were determined using information from existing literature (clinical decision rules and society guidelines). Where pretest probability was not performed, it was calculated by the authors. After ED health care provider education regarding appropriateness guidelines through a dedicated lecture and question-and-answer session, appropriateness rates for another 100 consecutive CTPA ordered by the ED were calculated. RESULTS In the preeducational intervention, 1% of patients had Wells scores performed, 65% were women, and 29% were age <40 years. Before CTPA, 40% patients had d-dimer testing, 15% of patients had a "negative" d-dimer, 17% had alternative explanations for chest pain, and 76% had low or intermediate pretest probability. Appropriateness rates for CTPA was 7%, and 8% of studies were positive. Postintervention, no Wells scores were performed, 59% were women, and 34% <40 years. Before CTPA, 32% of patients had d-dimer, 16% had a "negative" d-dimer, 22% had alternative explanations for chest pain, and 84% had low or intermediate pretest probability. The appropriateness rate for CTPA was 6% and 10% of studies were positive. CONCLUSION A single educational intervention had no effect on appropriate utilization rates for CTPA. Repeated and sustained educational interventions may help improve imaging ordering pathways through the ED and other departments.
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Middeldorp S. Thrombosis in women: what are the knowledge gaps in 2013? J Thromb Haemost 2013; 11 Suppl 1:180-91. [PMID: 23809122 DOI: 10.1111/jth.12266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2013] [Accepted: 04/10/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Several aspects of the diagnostic and therapeutic management of women with venous thrombosis are uncertain. In this overview, I will discuss three major areas. First, the contribution of hormone use to venous thromboembolism (VTE) will be discussed as prudent prescribing of safe preparations can further reduce the risk of hormone-related VTE. Uncertainties remain regarding certain low-dose progestagens and transdermal routing of hormones and their associated risk of VTE. Second, I will review the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of pregnancy-related VTE. As direct evidence is largely absent for these individuals, these areas are subject to extrapolation from the non-pregnant population. There is therefore an urgent need for the evaluation of diagnostic strategies that safely exclude the diagnosis of acute pulmonary embolism in pregnant women without the need for diagnostic imaging, which is currently the gold standard, as no studies have confidently demonstrated the safety of ruling out VTE by clinical probability assessment combined with the use of D-dimer levels. Although identification of women at increased risk of pregnancy-related VTE is relatively well established, controversy remains for asymptomatic women from thrombophilic families. The optimal duration and intensity of anticoagulant treatment for, and prophylaxis of, pregnancy-related VTE with low molecular weight heparin is unknown. Third, anticoagulant therapy to prevent recurrence in women with unexplained recurrent miscarriage has shown to have no benefit and should not be prescribed. However, whether antithrombotic therapy prevents recurrent miscarriage in thrombophilic women, or in women with severe pregnancy complications, remains unknown and urgently requires future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Middeldorp
- Department of Vascular Medicine, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
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