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Patterns of pulmonary perfusion scans in normal subjects
The American Review of Respiratory Disease
|October 1, 1981
Summary
Pulmonary perfusion (Q) scans are rarely abnormal in healthy young adults. This study found that lobar or segmental Q scan defects are uncommon in normal nonsmokers, supporting their use in diagnosing pulmonary embolism.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Nuclear Medicine
- Diagnostic Imaging
Background:
- Pulmonary perfusion (Q) scan utility for pulmonary embolism diagnosis depends on understanding normal scan prevalence.
- Abnormal Q scans in subjects without cardiopulmonary disease are not well-defined.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of abnormal Q scans in healthy young adults without known cardiopulmonary disease.
Main Methods:
- 80 healthy, nonsmoking subjects (18-29 years) underwent history, physical exam, ECG, spirometry, chest X-ray, and a 6-view Q scan.
- Two subjects with suspected defects had ventilation (V) scans.
- Q scans were blindly interpreted by two experienced readers.
Main Results:
- 79 of 80 Q scans were normal; no lobar or segmental defects were observed.
- One subject had a subsegmental defect, not seen on V scan.
- Statistical analysis indicated ≤3.68% lobar/segmental and ≤6.77% subsegmental defects in this population (95% confidence).
Conclusions:
- Q scan defects, especially lobar or segmental, are rare in normal, young, nonsmoking individuals.
- This finding supports the diagnostic value of Q scans in evaluating suspected pulmonary embolism.