Pulmonary embolism severity before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

Early in the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, a high frequency of pulmonary embolism was identified. This audit aims to assess the frequency and severity of pulmonary embolism in 2020 compared to 2019.

Methods

In this retrospective audit, we compared computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA) frequency and pulmonary embolism severity in April and May 2020, compared to 2019. Pulmonary embolism severity was assessed with the Modified Miller score and the presence of right heart strain was assessed. Demographic information and 30-day mortality was identified from electronic health records.

Results

In April 2020, there was a 17% reduction in the number of CTPA performed and an increase in the proportion identifying pulmonary embolism (26%, n =

SUBMITTER: Tilliridou V 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8248223 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature