Evaluation of pulmonary embolisms using coronal reformations on 64-row multidetector-row computed tomography: Comparison with axial images.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate coronal reformations of the chest on 64-row multidetector-row computed tomography (MDCT) for detection of pulmonary embolisms compared with axial images.


METHODS
Thirty-eight consecutive patients who underwent pulmonary computed tomography angiography (CTA) on 64-row MDCT for a suspected pulmonary embolism were retrospectively studied. Contiguous 2-mm axial and coronal images were reviewed independently. A pulmonary embolism was assessed in the main, lobar, or segmental pulmonary arteries and was scored using a 5-point scale.


RESULTS
A pulmonary embolism was demonstrated in 10% (4 of 38) of axial images and 16% (6 of 38) of coronal images. Interpretation was concordant in 95% to 100% of cases for a main or lobar pulmonary embolism and in 80% to 82% of cases for a segmental pulmonary embolism. Agreement of scores was almost perfect for a a main or lobar pulmonary embolism (mean weighted kappa value = 0.969) and moderate to good for a segmental pulmonary embolism (mean weighted kappa value = 0.560).


CONCLUSIONS
Coronal reformations of the chest on 64-row MDCT were as informative as axial images for the detection of main, lobar, and segmental pulmonary embolisms.
Nishino
Mizuki
M
Department of Radiology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA 02215, USA. mnishino@bidmc.harvard.edu
Kubo
Takeshi
T
Kataoka
Milliam L
ML
Gautam
Shiva
S
Raptopoulos
Vassilios
V
Hatabu
Hiroto
H
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011655:Pulmonary Embolism / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods*