Prognostic value of computed tomography pulmonary angiography in patients with acute pulmonary embolism

Background
Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a serious illness. Identifying prognostic factors for PE may help in the management of those patients.


Aim
This study’s objective was to evaluate the prognostic value of computed tomography pulmonary artery obstruction index (CT-PAOI) in predicting right ventricular dysfunction (RVD) and 30-day mortality in pulmonary embolism patients.


Patients and methods
A total of 80 patients with acute PE were included. The prognostic importance of the following variables in predicting PE severity and mortality was examined: Obstruction index (OI) using Qanadli score, interventricular septum deviation, right ventricular/left ventricular (RV/LV) ratio and reflux of contrast into the inferior vena cava (IVC).


Results
Eighty studied patients with pulmonary embolism, their mean age was 51.43 ± 16.88, 62.5% were females and 37.5% were males. PAOI, RV/LV ratio, IVC contrast reflux and Interventricular septal deviation were higher in pulmonary embolism patients with RVD and in non-survivors. PAOI at cut off point >37% and >42% can predict RVD and mortality respectively in PE patients.


Conclusion
CT angiography could be considered not only in diagnosis of acute pulmonary embolism but also in prediction of RVD and mortality in those patients.