Anticoagulants ; Female ; Heparin ; Humans ; Pregnancy ; Pulmonary Embolism/diagnostic imaging* ; Thrombocytopenia

This paper reviews the current state of the technique of multislice CT (MSCT) scan and imaging postprocessing of CT pulmonary angiography, as well as the CT features of different pulmonary arterial diseases. Investigations demonstrate that MSCT and CTA are available means to visualize pulmonary artery structures and the anatomic correlation between pulmonary artery and adjacent structures. They are fast, effective and noninvasive methods for diagnosing pulmonary arterial diseases.
Humans ; Hypertension, Pulmonary ; diagnostic imaging ; Lung Diseases ; diagnostic imaging ; Lung Neoplasms ; blood supply ; Pulmonary Artery ; diagnostic imaging ; Pulmonary Embolism ; diagnostic imaging ; Tomography, Spiral Computed

Objective To assess the application of high-pitch CT pulmonary angiography (CTPA) at 70 kV tube voltage with 15 ml contrast medium using third-generation dual-source CT. Methods A total of 70 patients with clinically suspected pulmonary embolism were randomly divided into two groups: group A (n=35) underwent CTPA on conventional scanning mode (120 kV,80 ml contrast medium);and group B (n=35) underwent CTPA on high-pitch scanning mode at 70 kV tube voltage with 15 ml contrast medium. The CT values and standard deviations of the main pulmonary artery,apical segment of right upper pulmonary lobe (S1),and posterior basal segment of the right lower pulmonary lobe (S10),anterior thoracic air,and back muscles were measured. The signal to noise ratio (SNR),contrast to noise ratio (CNR),and effective dose (ED) were calculated. The overall image quality was evaluated by two blinded radiologists. The quality image was compared using non-parametric test on two independent samples. The potential differences in CT value,SNR,CNR,and ED were analyzed using the independent sample t-test. Results The CT values of main pulmonary artery [(300.62±77.54)HU vs.(332.80±102.80)HU;t=-1.53,P=0.13],S1 [(361.72±84.92)HU vs. (325.37±87.86)HU;t=1.81,P=0.08],and S10 [(359.54±89.61)HU vs. (318.26±87.19)HU;t=2.00,P=0.05] of right lung were not significantly different between group A and group B. The CNR of S1 (22.81±6.05 vs. 19.80±6.60;t=2.05,P=0.04) and S10 (22.65±6.37 vs. 19.28±6.63;t=2.23,P=0.03) of right lung in group A was significantly higher than in group B. The SNR of main pulmonary artery,S1,and S10 of right lung were not significantly different between group A and B. The subjective diagnostic quality values of group A and B were 1 (1,1) and 1 (1,1),respectively (Z=-0.08,P=0.93). The subjective diagnostic quality values evaluated by two radiologists showed excellent consistency(κ=0.87,P=0.01). The mean ED was 79% lower in group B [(0.92±0.23)mSv] than in group A [(4.33±1.80) mSv] (t=11.72,P=0.00).Conclusion Application of high-pitch mode in CTPA at 70 kV with 15 ml contrast medium using third-generation dual-source CT can remarkably reduce radiation dose without affecting image quality.
Computed Tomography Angiography ; methods ; Humans ; Lung ; diagnostic imaging ; Pulmonary Embolism ; diagnostic imaging ; Radiation Dosage ; Signal-To-Noise Ratio ; Stenosis, Pulmonary Artery ; diagnostic imaging

BACKGROUNDThere is increasing evidence that CT pulmonary arteriography and venography allow a better diagnostic yield for deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in suspected acute pulmonary embolism (PE). The aim was to investigate the value for using such an approach in a multiracial Asian population.

METHODSA total of 135 consecutive subjects with clinically suspected PE in various clinical settings (postoperative in 23 subjects) were referred and evaluated for venous thromboembolism using CT pulmonary arteriography and venography in a tertiary hospital, Malaysia. The distribution of DVT was assessed based on the frequency rate of thrombosis in a particular anatomical region (inferior vena cava, pelvic, femoral and popliteal).

RESULTSIn 130 subjects, excluding 5 subjects having poor images, both DVT and PE were detected in 11.5% (15/130) subjects and DVT alone was detected in 6.9% (9/130) subjects giving a combined rate of venous thromboembolism of 18.4%. A history of malignancy was significantly associated with positive scans, P = 0.02. It was found that left pelvic veins (18.2%) and left femoral veins (19.5%) were more commonly thrombosed in this population.

CONCLUSIONCT pulmonary arteriography and venography is a useful technique in the evaluation of venous thromboembolism in a multi-racial Asian population.

Adult ; Aged ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Pulmonary Artery ; diagnostic imaging ; Pulmonary Embolism ; diagnostic imaging ; Pulmonary Veins ; diagnostic imaging ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; methods ; Venous Thromboembolism ; diagnostic imaging ; Venous Thrombosis ; diagnostic imaging

A 23-year-old Indian man presented with shortness of breath and new-onset confusion along with a rash on his chest on Postoperative Day 2, following internal fixation of his femur fracture. Although computed tomography pulmonary angiography was negative for filling defects in the pulmonary vasculature, it showed mosaic attenuation changes with some interlobular septal thickening. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain showed patchy signal abnormalities, predominantly in the grey-white matter junction region with extensive susceptibility artefacts, consistent with petechial haemorrhages. The laboratory work-up showed thrombocytopenia and anaemia. A diagnosis of fat embolism syndrome was established, based on the clinical presentation combined with laboratory and imaging findings. The clinical and imaging features of fat embolism syndrome are discussed.
Brain ; pathology ; Dyspnea ; Embolism, Fat ; diagnostic imaging ; Femoral Fractures ; diagnostic imaging ; Humans ; Hypoxia ; India ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Male ; Pulmonary Embolism ; Thrombocytopenia ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; Young Adult

Myeloperoxidase antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (MPO-ANCA) associated vasculitis is an autoimmune disease usually with severe multiple dysfunction syndrome, especially prominent acute renal failure. A 65-year-old woman was admitted with progressive dyspnoea for six months and fever, sputum with blood, pain of the lower extremities and intermittent claudication for two days, indicating multiple organ involvement (respiratory system, blood vessels). The renal involvement was relatively mild, presenting with microscopic haematuria. The chest computed tomography demonstrated multiple pulmonary embolisms. Ultrasound and computed tomography angiography for the lower extremity vessels showed venous and arterial thrombosis. Exclusion of other diseases that can cause multiple organ damage and thrombosis, the positive perinuclear ANCA and MPO-ANCA strongly support the diagnosis of MPO-ANAC-associated vasculitis. The patient's physical condition has been greatly improved by treatment with corticosteroids and anticoagulation.
Aged ; Anti-Neutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody-Associated Vasculitis/diagnosis* ; Female ; Humans ; Lower Extremity/diagnostic imaging* ; Peroxidase ; Pulmonary Embolism/diagnostic imaging* ; Thrombosis

OBJECTIVES: To explore the difference in CT values between pulmonary thromboembolism and postmortem clot in postmortem CT pulmonary angiography (CTPA) to further improve the application value of virtual autopsy. METHODS: Postmortem CTPA data with the definite cause of death from 2016 to 2019 were collected and divided into pulmonary thromboembolism group (n=4), postmortem clot group (n=5), and control group (n=5). CT values of pulmonary trunk and left and right pulmonary artery contents in each group were measured and analyzed statistically. RESULTS: The average CT value in the pulmonary thromboembolism group and postmortem clot group were (168.4±53.8) Hu and (282.7±78.0) Hu, respectively, which were lower than those of the control group (1 193.0±82.9) Hu (P<0.05). The average CT value of the postmortem clot group was higher than that of the pulmonary thromboembolism group (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS CT value is reliable and feasible as a relatively objective quantitative index to distinguish pulmonary thromboembolism and postmortem clot in postmortem CTPA. At the same time, it can provide a scientific basis to a certain extent for ruling out pulmonary thromboembolism deaths.
Humans ; Autopsy ; Thrombosis ; Pulmonary Embolism/diagnostic imaging* ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; Angiography ; Cadaver

Adult ; Echocardiography ; Heart Atria ; pathology ; Heart Diseases ; complications ; diagnostic imaging ; Humans ; Male ; Pulmonary Embolism ; complications ; diagnostic imaging ; Thrombosis ; complications ; diagnostic imaging

A primary pulmonary artery sarcoma is a rare malignant tumor derived from the intimal layer of the pulmonary artery. Its clinical presentation can lead to a misdiagnosis of more common diseases such as thromboembolic disease. It is known to have a very poor prognosis. Therefore, the correct diagnosis of a primary pulmonary artery sarcoma is difficult and often delayed. We experienced a case of primary pulmonary artery sarcoma mimicking a pulmonary thromboembolism. The patient was admitted as a result of progressive dyspnea and coughing. The lung perfusion scan showed a large perfusion defect involving almost the entire right lung and suspicious small perfusion defects in the left upper lobe. Magnetic resonance imaging of the chest showed an enhancing nodule within the thrombus in the right pulmonary artery. The mass was removed completely by surgery, but the patient died as a result of shock.
Cough ; Diagnosis ; Diagnostic Errors ; Dyspnea ; Humans ; Lung ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Perfusion ; Prognosis ; Pulmonary Artery* ; Pulmonary Embolism ; Sarcoma* ; Shock ; Thorax ; Thrombosis

Cardiovascular and noncardiovascular conditions are commonly encountered in the emergency department. While the majority of patients have underlying cardiovascular aetiologies, such as acute myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure, aortic dissection and pulmonary embolism, a small subset of patients have underlying noncardiovascular conditions, although they present with similar symptoms of chest pain, dyspnoea, cough, haemoptysis and haematemesis. This article aims to describe the imaging findings in common noncardiovascular conditions of the chest that are frequently encountered in the emergency department, with a review of the existing literature.
Chest Pain ; diagnosis ; etiology ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Diagnostic Imaging ; Emergencies ; Humans ; Myocardial Infarction ; complications ; diagnosis ; Pulmonary Embolism ; complications ; diagnosis