[Right-ventricular dysfunction and the pulmonary vascular obstruction index: predictable variables of the clinical course over 3 months in patients with acute lung emboli]

To quantify right-ventricular dysfunction and the pulmonary artery obstruction index, in patients with acute pulmonary embolism, using helical CT, and to assess the prognostic value of these parameters.

Prospective.

In 120 consecutive patients with proven acute pulmonary embolism, the extent of right-ventricular dysfunction was assessed by quantifying the ratios of the right to left-ventricular short-axis diameters (RV/LV ratio) and the extent ofobstruction ofthe pulmonary-artery circulation by using helical CT images. Regression analysis was used to correlate these parameters with patient outcome.

Right-ventricular dysfunction (RV/LV ratio > 1.0) was seen in 69 patients (57.5%). Seven patients died as a direct result of pulmonary embolism. Both the RV/LV ratio and the obstruction index were significant risk factors for mortality within three months (p = 0.04 and 0.01 respectively). The positive predictive value for pulmonary embolism-related mortality of an RV/LV ratio > 1.0 was 10.1% (95% CI: 2.9-17.4). The negative predictive value for an uneventful outcome of an RV/LV ratio < or = 1.0 was 100% (95% CI: 94.3-100). There was a 11.2-fold risk of dying of pulmonary embolism in patients with an obstruction index > or = 40% (95% CI: 1.3-93.6).

Markers of right-ventricular dysfunction and pulmonary vascular obstruction, assessed by helical CT-examination at baseline, help to predict mortality during follow-up of patients with acute pulmonary embolism.