Evidence map›Paper›PMID 24696191›Full record

ArticleInsights into imaging2014

Diagnostic yield of CT thorax angiography in patients suspected of pulmonary embolism: independent predictors and protocol adherence.

Stefan Walen, Minke-Alie Leijstra, Steven M Uil, Martijn F Boomsma, Jan Willem K van den Berg

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Article in Insights into imaging, 2014. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 3 papers.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
3citing papers in PubMed
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1 · What the graph read from it

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2 · The registry

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3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

3 citing papers in PubMed.

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4 · The record

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5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

5 authors.

Stefan WalenDepartment of Pulmonology, Isala, Dr. van Heesweg 2, 8025 AB, Zwolle, The Netherlands, s.walen@isala.nl.
Minke-Alie Leijstra
Steven M Uil
Martijn F Boomsma
Jan Willem K van den Berg

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

objectivesTo determine the diagnostic yield of computed tomography scanning of the pulmonary arteries (CTPA) in our centre and factors associated with it. Differences between specialties as well as adherence to protocol were investigated.

methodsAll patients receiving a first CTPA for pulmonary embolism (PE) in 2010 were included. Data about relevant clinical information and the requesting specialty were retrospectively obtained. Differences in diagnostic yield were tested using a chi-squared test. Independent predictors were identified with multivariate logistic regression.

resultsPE on CTPA was found in 224 of the 974 patients (23 %). Between specialties, diagnostic yield varied from 19.5 to 23.9 % (p = 0.20). Independent predictors of diagnostic yield were: age, sex, D-dimer, cough, dyspnea, cardiac history, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), atelectasis/consolidation, intrapulmonary mass and/or interstitial pulmonary disease on CT. Wells scores were poorly documented (n = 127, 13.0 %). Poor adherence to protocol was also shown by a high amount of unnecessary D-dimer values with a high Wells-score (35 of 58; 58.6 %).

conclusionsThe diagnostic yield of CTPA in this study was relatively high in comparison with other studies (6.7-31 %). Better adherence to protocol might improve the diagnostic yield further. A prospective study could confirm the independent predictors found in this study. TEACHING POINTS: • Pulmonary embolism is potentially life-threatening and requires quick and reliable diagnosis. • Computed tomography of the pulmonary arteries (CTPA) provides this reliable diagnosis. • Several independent predictors of diagnostic yield of CTPA for pulmonary embolism were identified. • Diagnostic yield of CTPA did not differ between requesting specialties in our Hospital. • Better protocol adherence could improve the diagnostic yield of CTPA for pulmonary embolism.

Identifiers

PMID24696191
PMCPMC3999363

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