Background: Computed Tomography (CT) Pulmonary Angiography is the most commonly used diagnostic study for acute pulmonary embolism (PE). Echocardiogram (ECHO) is also used for risk stratification in acute PE, however the diagnostic performance of CT versus ECHO for risk stratification remains unclear.
Methods: CT and ECHO right ventricle (RV) and left ventricle (LV) diameters were measured in a retrospective cohort of patients with acute PE. RV:LV diameter ratios were calculated and correlation between CT and ECHO RV:LV ratio was assessed. Sensitivity and specificity for the composite adverse events endpoint of mortality, respiratory failure requiring intubation, cardiac arrest, or shock requiring vasopressors within 30 days of admission were assessed for CT or ECHO derived RV:LV ratio alone and in combination with biomarkers (troponin or B-type natriuretic peptide).
Results: A total of 74 subjects met the inclusion criteria and had a mean age of 62±18 years. The proportion of patients with RV:LV >1 was similar when comparing CT (37.8%) versus ECHO (33.8%) (P = 0.61). A statistically significant correlation was found between CT derived and ECHO derived RV:LV diameter ratio (r = 0.832, P < 0.001). The sensitivity and specificity to predict 30-day composite adverse events for CT versus ECHO derived RV:LV diameter ratio >1 together with positive biomarker status was similar with sensitivity and specificity of 87% and 41% versus 87% and 42%, respectively.
Conclusions: In patients with acute PE, CT and ECHO RV:LV diameter ratio correlate well and identify similar proportion of PE patients at risk for early adverse events. These findings may streamline risk stratification of patients with acute PE.
Keywords: Computed tomography angiography; Echocardiography; Pulmonary embolism; Right ventricular dysfunction; Risk stratification.
Copyright © 2020 Southern Society for Clinical Investigation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.