pulmonary embolism
Risk factors for pulmonary embolism (PE) include:
- venous stasis
- intimal injury (trauma, phlebitis)
- Hypercoaguable states
Physical findings, EKG changes and blood-gas values are suggestive
of PE, but are not specific. Thus, radiologic examinations play an
important role in establishing the diagnosis.
The diagnostic work-up includes:
- chest xray
- findings are usually nonspecific
- other abnormalities may reduce V/Q scans diagnostic value
- pulmonary ventilation and perfusion ("V/Q") scan
or
- contrast enhanced CT of the chest
- spiral or helical thin cuts during a contrast bolus timed for maximal pulmonary artery oppacification
- possibly pulmonary angiogram
- doppler ultrasound of the deep venous system
- symptoms of DVT
- very sugestive history with a negative work up
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© 2002, C.E. Kahn, Jr.
2002-04-18