Frequency of nonthromboembolic imaging abnormalities in pregnant women referred for computed tomography pulmonary arteriography.

Abstract

PURPOSE:

The study sought to determine the frequency of nonthromboembolic imaging abnormalities in pregnant women referred for computed tomography pulmonary arteriography (CTPA).

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

CTPA studies on 100 consecutive pregnant women performed over a 5-year period were reviewed independently by 2 radiologists, with conflicts resolved by consensus. Age range was 18-43 years (mean 28 years). The presence or absence of pulmonary embolism and of nonthromboembolic imaging abnormalities was recorded. These were graded as A if the abnormalities were thought to provide potential alternative explanations for acute symptoms, B if findings were incidental that required clinical or radiologic follow-up, and C if the findings did not require further action.

RESULTS:

Pulmonary embolism was seen in 5 women. In 2 of these additional findings of consolidation and infarction were seen. Ninety-five women did not have pulmonary embolism. Eleven women (12%) had grade A abnormalities; 6 cases of consolidation, 2 cases of lobar collapse, and 3 cases of heart failure with pleural effusions. One woman had a grade B abnormality due to the presence of pulmonary nodules. Ten women had incidental grade C abnormalities.

CONCLUSION:

Pulmonary embolism occurs in 5% of pregnant women referred for CTPA. In pregnant women without embolism on CTPA, potential alternative causes for patient symptoms are seen on CT in 12% of cases.

• Authors: John M Moriarty, Ferdia Bolster, Clare O'Connor, Patricia Fitzpatrick, Leo P Lawler, Eoin C Kavanagh, Peter J MacMahon, John G Murray
• Journal: Canadian Association of Radiologists journal = Journal l'Association canadienne des radiologistes (Can Assoc Radiol J) Vol. 66 Issue 1 Pg. 24-9 (Feb 2015) ISSN: 1488-2361 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 25623008 (Publication Type: Journal Article)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2015 Canadian Association of Radiologists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Topics

• Adolescent
• Adult
• Angiography
• Female
• Heart Failure (complications)
• Humans
• Incidental Findings
• Lung Diseases (diagnostic imaging)
• Multiple Pulmonary Nodules (diagnostic imaging)
• Pleural Effusion (diagnostic imaging, etiology)
• Pregnancy
• Pregnancy Complications (diagnostic imaging)
• Pulmonary Atelectasis (diagnostic imaging)
• Pulmonary Embolism (diagnostic imaging)
• Retrospective Studies
• Tomography, X-Ray Computed
• Young Adult