Spiral computed tomography in the evaluation of pulmonary embolism.
Determining the presence or absence of thromboembolic disease can often be problematic. Traditional diagnostic algorithms are reviewed and discussed. Spiral CT technology allows a relatively noninvasive visualization of the pulmonary vasculature and is a promising new diagnostic modality for acute and chronic thromboembolic disease. Its potential roles are discussed, and a new diagnostic algorithm is proposed.
Lipchik
R J
RJ
Department of Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, USA.
Goodman
L R
LR
D000208:Acute Disease; D000465:Algorithms; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D006801:Humans; D011655:Pulmonary Embolism / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000191:economics; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000191:economics