Prognostic significance of right ventricular hypokinesis and perfusion lung scan defects in pulmonary embolism

Right Ventricular Enlargement on Chest Computed Tomography

“…1 Although most late deaths are due to underlying disease, such as cancer, chronic lung disease, or congestive heart failure, the main cause of death within 30 days is right ventricular (RV) failure. [2][3][4] Rapid risk stratification is paramount for identifying high-risk patients and helps select the appropriate treatment strategy. Thrombolysis, [5][6][7] catheter intervention, 8,9 or surgical embolectomy 5,10 as adjuncts to anticoagulation may rapidly reverse RV failure and reduce the risk of recurrence and death.…”

Risk Stratification of Submassive Pulmonary Embolism: The Role of Chest Computed Tomography as an Alternative to Echocardiography

“…Several studies have reported that the extent of the pulmonary perfusion defect, as assessed by perfusion scintigraphy or SPECT, is an important risk factor for recurrence of pulmonary embolism and RV dysfunction (Wolfe et al, 1994;Palla et al, 2010). However, CT angiography has shown better performance than perfusion scintigraphy or SPECT in the initial diagnosis of pulmonary embolism, since the former has several advantages, including high spatial resolution, rapid scanning time and easy availability.…”

A case of paradoxical embolism “in situ” associated with massive pulmonary embolism: Role of echocardiography

“…[2][3][4] Echocardiography can be useful in the diagnosis and management of PE and its complications. [5][6][7] We present a case of PE associated with RV dysfunction complicated by a paradoxical embolus in situ. Echocardiography was central to diagnosing this complication, and information from the echocardiogram altered treatment.…”