title: The diagnostic yield of CTPA: pulmonary embolism, alternative diagnoses and incidental findings.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  In this retrospective study we assess the diagnostic yield of computed tomography pulmonary angiogram (CTPA) and the incidence of alterative and incidental diagnoses.
  
  
  METHODS
  The results of all CTPA scans performed in our trust over a period of 18 months were reviewed and all diagnoses noted. Data collected was descriptively analysed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 1138 scans were performed (56.5% men, mean age 59 years). A diagnosis of pulmonary embolism (PE) was made in 20.2%, an alternative aetiology for presenting symptoms in 26.4% and incidental findings in 19.5%. The commonest alternative diagnosis was pneumonia (9.5%).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Significant numbers of CTPA yield unexpected findings, which may provide an explanation for the clinical presentation. Furthermore substantial numbers of incidental pathologies are also diagnosed which may lead to inappropriate resource utilization and increased patient anxiety.
authors.affiliation: Department of Respiratory Medicine, Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust, Aberford Road, Wakefiled, WF1 4DG.
authors.forename: Shoaib
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Faruqi
authors.affiliation: Department of Respiratory Medicine, Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust, Aberford Road, Wakefiled, WF1 4DG.
authors.forename: Nalla
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Kishore
authors.affiliation: University of Hull and the Hull York Medical School, Department of Respiratory Medicine, Castle Hill Hospital, Castle Road, Cottingham, HU16 5JQ.
authors.forename: Richard
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Bodington
authors.affiliation: Department of Respiratory Medicine, Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust, Aberford Road, Wakefiled, WF1 4DG.
authors.forename: Salim
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Meghjee
authors.affiliation: Department of Respiratory Medicine, Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust, Aberford Road, Wakefiled, WF1 4DG.
authors.forename: Muthu
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Thirumaran
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015331:Cohort Studies; D000072226:Computed Tomography Angiography / Q000379:methods*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D033162:Incidental Findings; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011655:Pulmonary Embolism / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D012737:Sex Factors