[Diagnosis of lung embolism. Prospective study]

Area of Science:

• * Pulmonary Medicine
• * Diagnostic Imaging

Context:

• * Analysis of 300 acute pulmonary embolism cases from 1983-1985.
• * Comparison with earlier retrospective data to evaluate diagnostic trends.

Purpose:

• * To analyze predisposing factors, clinical signs, and diagnostic methods for acute pulmonary embolism.
• * To assess the evolving diagnostic reliability of isotope perfusion scanning.

Summary:

• * Prospective study identified key factors in acute pulmonary embolism.
• * Isotope perfusion scanning showed high diagnostic accuracy: 94% for massive and 64% for submassive PE.
• * Diagnosis was established within the first day of hospitalization in two-thirds of cases.
• * 10% of patients experienced pulmonary embolism despite anticoagulant therapy.

Impact:

• * Highlights the improved diagnostic value of isotope scanning in pulmonary embolism.
• * Informs clinical practice regarding timely diagnosis and management of pulmonary embolism.
• * Underscores the limitations of anticoagulant therapy in preventing all pulmonary embolism events.