Computed tomographic pulmonary angiography and pulmonary embolism: predictive value of a d-dimer assay.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Computed tomographic pulmonary angiography (CTPA) is increasingly being used as first investigation for suspected pulmonary embolism (PE). The investigation has high predictive value, but is resource and time intensive and exposes patients to considerable radiation. Our aim was to assess the potential value of a negative d-dimer assay to exclude pulmonary emboli and reduce the number of performed CTPAs.

Methods

All CTPAs performed in a Scottish secondary care hospital for a fourteen month period were retrospectively reviewed. Collected data included the presence or absence of PE, d-dimer results and patient demographics. PE positive CTPAs were reviewed by a specialist panel.

Results

Pulmonary embolisms were reported for 66/405 (16.3%) CTPAs and d-dimer test

SUBMITTER: Deonarine P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3305359 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature