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Pulmonary embolism: diagnosis with electron-beam CT
C L Teigen1, T P Maus, P F Sheedy
1Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905.
Radiology
|September 1, 1993
Summary
Electron-beam computed tomography (CT) can effectively image the pulmonary vasculature to diagnose pulmonary embolism (PE). This noninvasive method showed promising results in identifying thromboembolic material in patients suspected of PE.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Cardiovascular Imaging
- Pulmonary Medicine
Background:
- Pulmonary embolism (PE) diagnosis often requires invasive procedures.
- Noninvasive imaging modalities are crucial for early and accurate PE detection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of contrast material-enhanced electron-beam computed tomography (CT) for diagnosing pulmonary embolism (PE).
Main Methods:
- Contrast-enhanced electron-beam CT (100-msec scan time) was performed on 86 patients with suspected PE.
- Results were correlated with angiography or pathology in 25 patients.
Main Results:
- Thromboembolic material was detected in 39 patients by CT.
- CT demonstrated 88% accuracy when compared to angiography in vascular zones.
- 19 CT scans were proved positive, with one false-negative and one false-positive scan.
Conclusions:
- Electron-beam CT is a potentially effective noninvasive diagnostic tool for pulmonary embolism.
- The study suggests electron-beam CT can reliably visualize pulmonary vasculature for PE diagnosis.