Spiral CT appearance of resolving clots at 6 week follow-up after acute pulmonary embolism

J Comput Assist Tomogr. 1998 May-Jun;22(3):413-7. doi: 10.1097/00004728-199805000-00012.

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this work is to describe the spiral CT appearance of resolving clots at 6 week follow-up in patients with acute pulmonary embolism (PE).

Method: Nineteen patients with acute PE initially identified with spiral CT scan underwent repeat CT examinations at 6 week follow-up after the start of anticoagulant therapy. The appearances of the clots on the initial CT scan and follow-up CT scan were analyzed.

Results: Normalization of the pulmonary arteries at follow-up was seen in six patients (32%) only. Residual abnormalities were present in 13 of 19 patients (68%). Resolving clots were seen as eccentric wall-adherent filling defects (22%) or filling defects with central contrast material (3%).

Conclusion: Resolving clots after acute PE can be seen with follow-up CT scan in the majority of patients. It is important to be familiar with these findings.

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Administration, Oral
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Angiography
  • Anticoagulants / administration & dosage
  • Anticoagulants / therapeutic use*
  • Arteries
  • Contrast Media
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Heparin / administration & dosage
  • Heparin / therapeutic use*
  • Humans
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted
  • Injections, Intravenous
  • Lung / blood supply
  • Lung / diagnostic imaging
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pulmonary Embolism / diagnostic imaging
  • Pulmonary Embolism / drug therapy*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed / methods*

Substances

  • Anticoagulants
  • Contrast Media
  • Heparin