Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 16, 2026
05:52
Myocardial Infarction by Percutaneous Embolization Coil Deployment in a Swine Model
Published on: November 4, 2021
3.5K
Lung Infarction Following Pulmonary Embolism: A Comparative Study on Clinical Conditions and CT Findings to Identify
J Kirchner1, A Obermann1, S Stückradt1
1Radiology, General Hospital Hagen, Germany.
Rofo : Fortschritte Auf Dem Gebiete Der Rontgenstrahlen Und Der Nuklearmedizin
|March 10, 2015
Summary
Peripheral vascular obstruction, not central clots or cardiac congestion, appears to be a key factor predisposing to lung infarction in patients with pulmonary embolism (PE). This finding impacts understanding of PE complications.
Area of Science:
- Medical Imaging
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Radiology
Background:
- Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality.
- Lung infarction is a known complication of PE, but predisposing factors require further clarification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify factors associated with the development of lung infarction in patients diagnosed with pulmonary embolism.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 154 patients diagnosed with PE between 2009 and 2012.
- Utilized computed tomography (CT) for diagnosis and assessment.
- Correlated clinical data, clot burden, vascular obstruction, and comorbidities with the occurrence of pulmonary infarction.
Main Results:
- Pulmonary infarction occurred in 29.2% of patients, predominantly in the right lung.
- No significant correlation was found between infarction and malignant diseases, chronic bronchitis, cardiac congestion, clot burden, or symptom severity.
- A moderate negative correlation was observed between the distance of vascular occlusion and infarction, suggesting peripheral obstruction is more significant.
Conclusions:
- Cardiac congestion and the degree of central pulmonary vascular obstruction are not primary drivers of pulmonary infarction in PE.
- Peripheral total vascular obstruction is more frequently associated with lung infarction than extensive central clot burden.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Pulmonary Embolism II: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care
709
Diagnosing Pulmonary EmbolismDiagnosing pulmonary embolism (PE) involves clinical assessment and advanced imaging tests. The preferred diagnostic tool is the spiral (helical) CT scan or CT angiography (CTA), which uses intravenous contrast media to visualize the pulmonary vasculature and identify emboli.A ventilation-perfusion (V/Q) scan is an alternative for patients unable to receive contrast media. This scan includes both perfusion and ventilation scanning. Perfusion scanning involves...
709
01:29Pulmonary Embolism I: Introduction
1.4K
Pulmonary embolism (PE) occurs when a thrombus, fat or air embolus, amniotic fluid, or tumor tissue blocks one or more pulmonary arteries. These blockages originate in the venous system or the right side of the heart.EtiologyPE primarily arises from deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and other hypercoagulable states, such as inherited thrombophilias. Additional etiological factors include venous stasis, commonly seen in obesity, and endothelial injury from surgery and trauma. Less common causes include...
1.4K
01:28Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System V: CT
629
Cardiac computed tomography (CT) scanning is an advanced cardiac imaging technique that utilizes CT technology, with or without intravenous (IV) contrast, to produce accurate cross-sectional virtual slices of specific areas of the heart, coronary circulation, and major blood vessels such as the aorta, pulmonary veins, and arteries. The computer processes these slices to generate three-dimensional images. Multidetector CT (MDCT) is a rapid form of CT scanning that captures multiple slices...
629
01:27Pulmonary Embolism III: Nursing Management
709
A pulmonary embolism occurs when a thrombus, amniotic fluid, tumor tissue, fat, or air embolus blocks one or more pulmonary arteries. Effective nursing management and patient education are crucial for improving outcomes and preventing recurrence.Nursing management starts with obtaining a comprehensive patient history, particularly noting any history of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Assess for clinical manifestations, including dyspnea, chest pain, crackles, heart murmurs, and signs of right-sided...
709
01:30Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies
482
Diagnosing acute coronary syndrome or ACS begins with a thorough patient history. Notable symptoms include central, crushing chest pain radiating to the left arm, neck, jaw, or back, along with shortness of breath, sweating (diaphoresis), nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and palpitations.It is crucial to note any history of cardiac illnesses and assess risk factors, including age, gender, smoking, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and a sedentary lifestyle.During physical examination, vital...
482
01:20Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System III: X-Ray
689
The most common cardiovascular diagnostic test is an X-ray. It produces images of the heart, blood vessels, and adjacent structures.
Definition and Purpose
An X-ray, or radiograph, is a non-invasive method that uses ionizing radiation to take images of internal structures. It is mainly used in cardiac imaging to examine the heart, lungs, and major blood vessels, aiming to identify abnormalities in the heart's size, shape, and position, such as heart failure, congenital defects, and vascular...
Definition and Purpose
An X-ray, or radiograph, is a non-invasive method that uses ionizing radiation to take images of internal structures. It is mainly used in cardiac imaging to examine the heart, lungs, and major blood vessels, aiming to identify abnormalities in the heart's size, shape, and position, such as heart failure, congenital defects, and vascular...
689