[Screening of asymptomatic pulmonary embolisms by systematic scintigraphy in apparently uncomplicated phlebitis].
To evaluate the presence of asymptomatic pulmonary emboli, a prospective study was conducted in 21 patients with radiologically confirmed phlebitis. Systematic screening by means of radioisotope perfusion lung scanning revealed 8 pulmonary emboli (38%), 6 of which were confirmed by pulmonary angiography (28% using this criterion). In 3 of these patients, the cutoff affected more than 60% of the lung. All the patients remained asymptomatic throughout the study. It is our opinion that the presence of a latent pulmonary embolus should modify the therapeutic approach. In addition to screening for asymptomatic pulmonary emboli, systematic radioisotope perfusion scanning will enable the compilation of a reference document useful in the interpretation of clinical events arising during treatment.
Hirsch
J F
JF
Service de Médecine Interne, Centre Hospitalier, Etampes.
Demilly
P
P
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening; D008875:Middle Aged; D010689:Phlebitis / Q000150:complications*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011655:Pulmonary Embolism / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D011877:Radionuclide Imaging
Dépistage des embolies pulmonaires asymptomatiques par la scintigraphie systématique au cours des phlébites apparemment non compliquées.