[Outcome of patients with suspected pulmonary thromboembolism and low probability ventilation/perfusion lung scan who receive no long-term anticoagulation].
OBJECTIVE
To know in our area the security of no long-term anticoagulation in patients with suspected pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) and a low probability ventilation/perfusion (V/Q) lung scan.


METHODS
Retrospective review of a series of consecutive outpatients with suspected PTE and a low probability V/Q lung scan, according to the modified PIOPED criteria, who receive no long-term anticoagulation.


RESULTS
Among 38 patients with a low probability V/Q lung scan, 31 (81.6%) did not receive long-term anticoagulation. The median age was 69.1 years (range 26-88 years), and 19 (61.3%) were female. The clinical probability of PTE was moderate in 27 patients (87.1%). Twenty-two patients (71%) had a venous lower extremities echography-doppler negative for deep vein thrombosis (DVT). The median follow-up was 6.3 months (range 3-12 months). There was one case (3.2%; 95% confidence interval, 0.1-16.7%) with demonstrated PTE and DVT, and there was no death.


CONCLUSIONS
No long-term anticoagulation in outpatients with a moderate clinical probability of PTE, a low probability V/Q lung scan and a venous lower extremities echography-doppler negative for DVT may be secure in our area.
Calvo Romero
J M
JM
Servicio de Medicina Interna, Hospital de Zafra, Zafra, Badajoz. jmcromero@eresmas.com
Arévalo Lorido
J C
JC
Carretero Gómez
J
J
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008168:Lung / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011655:Pulmonary Embolism / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D011877:Radionuclide Imaging; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014692:Ventilation-Perfusion Ratio
D000925:Anticoagulants