Risk factors determine need for CTA for PE

Publication
Article
Diagnostic ImagingDiagnostic Imaging Vol 32 No 7
Volume 32
Issue 7

Risk factor assessments can rule out the need for CT angiography for pulmonary embolism, according to a new study published in Radiology.

Risk factor assessments can rule out the need for CT angiography for pulmonary embolism, according to a new study published in Radiology.

CT angiograms were negative for pulmonary embolism (PE) in 90.2% of 2003 patients, according to researchers at the University of California, Irvine. Among the 197 patients positive for PE, 97.5% had one or more risk factors. The risk factors were age, gender, cancer, history of immbolization, excess estrogen rate, a history of venous thromboembolism, and disorders that cause blood to clot easily.

All risk factors except gender were considered statistically significant. Age of 65 years or older and immobilization were the most common risk factors in positive PE patients. Risk factor assessment had a sensitivity of 97.5% and a negative predictive value of 99% in all patients.

Of the patients negative for PE, 28.8% had no risk factors. Excluding age and gender brought that figure to 62%.

Results were published online June 15 (Epub ahead of print).

Newsletter

Stay at the forefront of radiology with the Diagnostic Imaging newsletter, delivering the latest news, clinical insights, and imaging advancements for today’s radiologists.

Recent Videos
Emerging Concepts in CT-Guided Treatment of Coronary Artery Disease
SNMMI: Emerging PET Insights on Neuroinflammation with Progressive Apraxia of Speech (PAOS) and Parkinson-Plus Syndrome
Improving Access to Nuclear Imaging: An Interview with SNMMI President Jean-Luc C. Urbain, MD, PhD
SNMMI: 18F-Piflufolastat PSMA PET/CT Offers High PPV for Local PCa Recurrence Regardless of PSA Level
SNMMI: NIH Researcher Discusses Potential of 18F-Fluciclovine for Multiple Myeloma Detection
SNMMI: What Tau PET Findings May Reveal About Modifiable Factors for Alzheimer’s Disease
Emerging Insights on the Use of FES PET for Women with Lobular Breast Cancer
Can Generative AI Reinvent Radiology Reporting?: An Interview with Samir Abboud, MD
Mammography Study Reveals Over Sixfold Higher Risk of Advanced Cancer Presentation with Symptom-Detected Cancers
Combining Advances in Computed Tomography Angiography with AI to Enhance Preventive Care
Related Content
© 2025 MJH Life Sciences

All rights reserved.