Noninvasive imaging in pulmonary embolism according to age and gender

Some now recommend a lung scan if the plain chest radiograph is normal instead of computed tomographic (CT) angiography to minimize the risks of radiation in younger patients with suspected pulmonary embolism. The purpose of this investigation is to determine practice standards according to age and gender in regard to noninvasive imaging. Data are from the Nationwide Inpatient Patient, 1998 to 2009. In 2006 to 2009, the proportion of females with pulmonary embolism imaged with CT angiography was 275 (90%) of 305 among teenagers and girls, 3990 (87%) of 4570 among women 20 to 40 years, and 25 650 (85%) of 30 160 among women >40 years. Among males the proportion imaged with CT angiography was 175 (92%) of 190 among teenagers and boys, 3000 (89%) of 3370 among men 20 to 40 years, and 21 280 (86%) of 24 800 among men >40 years. In conclusion, contrary to the recommendations of some, CT angiography is usually obtained in young patients.