The relationship of paranchymal findings and pulmonary artery diameter with severity of embolism in patients with acute pulmonary embolism diagnosed by dynamic contrast-enhanced computer tomography

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the relationship of existance of pulmonary embolism (PE) and it's severity with the frequency of paranchymal findings and the diameter of pulmonary artery. Material and Method: Contrast-enhanced CT images of 664 patients with suspected PE were evaluated retrospectively. Filling defects that are compatible with PE were detected and CT angiography obstruction index calculated. Pulmonary artery diameters were measured and parencyhmal findings were noted in patient with PE (n=209) and without PE (n=455). Results: Consolidation (p=0.017) and oligemia (0.004) were more frequent in patients with PE than patients without PE. Consolidation was more frequent (p<0.001) in patients with an obstruction index of 50% or higher than those with an index of less than 50%. The mean main pulmonary artery diameter was higher in patients with PE than patients without PE (p=0.019). The mean right (p=0.045), left (p=0.004) and main pulmonary artery (p=0.034) diameters were higher in patients with obstruction index of 50% or higher (n=37) than those with an index of less than 50% (n=172). Conclusion: Patients with suspected pulmonary embolism undergo dynamic contrast enhanced computed tomography. These patients must be evaluated more carefully for pulmonary embolism when consolidation, oligemia or an increase in pulmonary artery diameter were detected in computed tomography examination.