Publication

Dual energy CT pulmonary blood volume assessment in acute pulmonary embolism - correlation with D-dimer level, right heart strain and clinical outcome

Journal Paper/Review - Apr 30, 2011

Units
PubMed
Doi

Citation
Bauer R, Vogl T, Jacobi V, Schoepf U, Ackermann H, Lehnert T, Schell B, Renker M, Frellesen C, Kerl J. Dual energy CT pulmonary blood volume assessment in acute pulmonary embolism - correlation with D-dimer level, right heart strain and clinical outcome. Eur Radiol 2011; 21:1914-21.
Type
Journal Paper/Review (English)
Journal
Eur Radiol 2011; 21
Publication Date
Apr 30, 2011
Issn Electronic
1432-1084
Pages
1914-21
Brief description/objective

OBJECTIVE
To investigate the role of perfusion defect (PD) size on dual energy CT pulmonary blood volume assessment as predictor of right heart strain and patient outcome and its correlation with d-dimer levels in acute pulmonary embolism (PE).

METHODS
53 patients with acute PE who underwent DECT pulmonary angiography were retrospectively analyzed. Pulmonary PD size caused by PE was measured on DE iodine maps and quantified absolutely (VolPD) and relatively to the total lung volume (RelPD). Signs of right heart strain (RHS) on CT were determined. Information on d-dimer levels and readmission for recurrent onset of PE and death was collected.

RESULTS
D-dimer level was mildly (r = 0.43-0.47) correlated with PD size. Patients with RHS had significantly higher VolPD (215 vs. 73 ml) and RelPD (9.9 vs. 2.9%) than patients without RHS (p < 0.003). There were 2 deaths and 1 readmission due of PE in 18 patients with >5% RelPD, while no such events were found for patients with <5% RelPD.

CONCLUSION
Pulmonary blood volume on DECT in acute PE correlates with RHS and appears to be a predictor of patient outcome in this pilot study.