Acute Pulmonary Embolism: Epidemiologic And Tomodensitometric Study

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Published Nov 26, 2010
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Vol. 88 No. 12 (2010): Issue Dec 2010

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Saoussen Hantous-Zannad
Sonia Esseghaier
Imene Ridène
Asma Zidi
Kais Ben Romdhane
Ines Baccouche
Jalila Ben Khelil
Mohamed Besbes
Khaoula Ben Miled-M'rad

Abstract

Background: Acute pulmonary embolism is a common disease with substantial morbidity and mortality in untreated patients. It requires an urgent positive diagnosis.
Aim: To assess the prevalence of acute pulmonary embolism and calculate the sensitivity and specificity of multidetector CT for the diagnosis of acute pulmonary embolism in a hospital specialized in cardio-thoracic diseases.
Methods: This is a prospective study conducted at Abderrahmen Mami Hospital, which included 200 consecutive patients suspected of acute pulmonary embolism and explored by a multidetector CT pulmonary angiography (16 slices).
Results: Prevalence of acute pulmonary embolism was calculated at 37.5%. The multidetector CT has enabled an alternative diagnosis in 46 patients (40%). The sensitivity and specificity of multidetector CT were calculated respectively 89.6% and 100%.
Conclusion: The prevalence of acute pulmonary embolism, in a hospital specialized in cardio-thoracic diseases, is higher than that found in general hospitals. High sensitivity and specificity of multidetector CT makes it the gold standard for the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism.

Keywords:

Acute pulmonary embolism, multidetector CT

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