Radiologic Aspects of the Diagnosis of Pulmonary Embolism in Pregnancy.

Journal Article (Journal Article;Review)

Pulmonary embolism in pregnancy is a leading cause of maternal mortality. The clinical presentation is often nonspecific, making imaging essential for accurate diagnosis. After reviewing the literature on the radiologic diagnosis of pulmonary embolism in pregnancy, we concluded that both computed tomography pulmonary angiography and lung perfusion scintigraphy are sensitive with high positive predictive values in the presence of high clinical suspicion, but lung perfusion scintigraphy is recommended given lower maternal breast exposure to ionizing radiation and lower fetal contrast exposure. However, if a chest x-ray is abnormal, computed tomography pulmonary angiography is preferred due to high nondiagnostic rates of lung perfusion scintigraphy.

Full Text

Duke Authors

Cited Authors

  • Harris, BS; Bishop, KC; Kuller, JA

Published Date

  • June 2018

Published In

Volume / Issue

  • 61 / 2

Start / End Page

  • 219 - 227

PubMed ID

  • 29688933

Electronic International Standard Serial Number (EISSN)

  • 1532-5520

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

  • 10.1097/GRF.0000000000000366

Language

  • eng

Conference Location

  • United States