Volumetric capnography as a noninvasive diagnostic procedure in acute pulmonary thromboembolism.
Pulmonary thromboembolism is a common condition. Its diagnosis usually requires pulmonary scintigraphy, computed angiotomography, pulmonary arteriography and, in order to rule out other diagnoses, the measurement of D-dimer levels. Due to the fact that these diagnostic methods are not available in most Brazilian hospitals, the validation of other diagnostic techniques is of fundamental importance. We describe a case of a woman with chronic pulmonary hypertension who experienced a pulmonary thromboembolism event. Pulmonary scintigraphy, computed angiotomography and pulmonary arteriography were used in the diagnosis. The D-dimer test result was positive. Volumetric capnography was performed at admission and after treatment. The values obtained were compared with the imaging test results.
Moreira
Marcos Mello
MM
Surgery Department, State University at Campinas - School of Medical Sciences, Campinas, Brazil. marcosmm@fcm.unicamp.br
Terzi
Renato Giuseppe Giovanni
RG
Pereira
Mônica Corso
MC
Grangeia
Tiago de Araújo Guerra
Tde A
Paschoal
Ilma Aparecida
IA
D000208:Acute Disease; D000328:Adult; D019296:Capnography / Q000379:methods*; D002908:Chronic Disease; D005260:Female; D005338:Fibrin Fibrinogen Degradation Products / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D006976:Hypertension, Pulmonary / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis*; D011651:Pulmonary Artery; D011655:Pulmonary Embolism / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000469:parasitology; D012126:Respiratory Dead Space; D012555:Schistosomiasis mansoni / Q000150:complications
D005338:Fibrin Fibrinogen Degradation Products; C036309:fibrin fragment D