When should computed tomography angiography of pulmonary vessels be done in patients with low clinical probability of acute pulmonary embolism?

Radiologia (Engl Ed). 2018 Nov-Dec;60(6):504-507. doi: 10.1016/j.rx.2018.01.003. Epub 2018 Feb 24.
[Article in English, Spanish]

Abstract

When the probability of pulmonary embolism is low, the decision to do a computed tomography angiography (CTA) of the pulmonary vessels is based on the D-dimer concentration. However, excessive dependence on this parameter can result in unnecessary imaging studies, inappropriate treatment, or an inappropriate increase in the estimated probability of venous thromboembolism developing. The main objective of this study was to determine when CTA of pulmonary vessels could be avoided in patients with low clinical probability of pulmonary embolism through an efficient literature search of studies published about this question.

Keywords: Angiografía por tomografía computarizada; Baja probabilidad pretest; Computed tomography angiography; Evidence-based medicine; Low pretest probability; Medicina basada en la evidencia; Pulmonary embolism; Tromboembolia pulmonar.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Computed Tomography Angiography* / statistics & numerical data
  • Humans
  • Probability
  • Procedures and Techniques Utilization*
  • Pulmonary Embolism / diagnostic imaging*