[Diagnostic imaging in acute pulmonary embolism. The use of spiral computed tomography, lung scintigraphy and echocardiography].
Acute pulmonary embolism is an underdiagnosed and potentially lethal condition. Treatment may be lifesaving but is associated with severe side effects. Thus, reliable diagnostic imaging is essential. We conducted a literature review on the use of spiral computed tomography, lung scintigraphy and echocardiography in acute pulmonary embolism and identified 562 articles, of which 16 original papers met our inclusion criteria. From these, we concluded that none of the modalities is applicable in every situation. Spiral computed tomography can confirm the diagnosis but cannot rule out subsegmental embolism. With lung scintigraphy, perfusion imaging alone is probably sufficient and suited to both confirming and ruling out the diagnosis. Echocardiography should be reserved for patients with an emergent need for treatment and cannot rule out the diagnosis.
Hess
Søren
S
Odense Universitetshospital, Nuklearmedicinsk Afdeling. hess@dadlnet.dk
Madsen
Poul Henning
PH
Jørgensen
Henrik Boel
HB
Høilund-Carlsen
Poul Flemming
PF
D000208:Acute Disease; D003952:Diagnostic Imaging / Q000379:methods; D004452:Echocardiography; D006801:Humans; D008168:Lung / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D011655:Pulmonary Embolism / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D011877:Radionuclide Imaging; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D036542:Tomography, Spiral Computed