CT venous phase venography with 64-detector CT angiography in the diagnosis of acute pulmonary embolism.
The value of computed tomographic (CT) venography in combination with CT pulmonary angiography has been questioned because of the potential dangers of radiation. Accordingly, we retrospectively evaluated the diagnostic yield of 64-detector CT angiography with CT venography. Among patients who routinely underwent CT venography with CT angiography, the CT angiogram showed acute pulmonary embolism (PE) in 206 of 1903 patients (10.8%). A positive CT venogram in a patient with a negative CT angiogram was shown in 25 of 1903 patients (1.3%). Either the CT angiogram or the CT venogram showed venous thromboembolism in 231 of 1903 patients (12.1%). The proportion of patients with venous thromboembolism diagnosed only by a CT venogram was 25 of 231 (10.8%). In conclusion, the proportion of patients with venous thromboembolism diagnosed only by a CT venogram is sufficiently high to merit consideration of its use especially in those at high risk for DVT.
Stein
Paul D
PD
Department of Research, St Joseph Mercy Oakland Hospital, Pontiac, Michigan, USA. steinp@trinity-health.org
Matta
Fadi
F
Yaekoub
Abdo Y
AY
Kazerooni
Ella A
EA
Cahill
Jennifer Ellis
JE
Goodman
Lawrence R
LR
Sostman
H Dirk
HD
Hales
Charles A
CA
Denier
James E
JE
Weg
John G
JG
Ghumman
Dilraj
D
Chan
Kevin M
KM
Woodard
Pamela K
PK
Kwun
Yoojin
Y
D000208:Acute Disease; D000792:Angiography / Q000379:methods*; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011655:Pulmonary Embolism / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods*; D020246:Venous Thrombosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*