Clinical profile and risk factors of CT pulmonary angiographically confirmed cases of pulmonary embolism

 

Rahul N Mastud¹, Gurunath P Parale^2*

 

Abstract              Background: Pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) is a major health problem with significant mortality and morbidity. PTE implies occlusion of pulmonary arterial circulation by the clot formed elsewhere usually in deep veins in the leg and pelvis. Less than 5% of venous thrombosis occurs in other sites. Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a common clinical disorder with an average annual incidence of one case per 1000 population in the western population. It is responsible for about 5-10% of all in-hospital deaths. Aims and objectives: To study the clinical profile and risk factors of CT pulmonary angiographically confirmed cases of pulmonary embolism Material and Methods: In the present observational study patients with age 21 years and above with CT pulmonary angiography showing evidence of pulmonary embolism were enrolled in the study. Total 50 cases were selected in the two years of study duration. A detailed history of each patient was taken. Presenting symptoms were enquired in their chronological order of appearance, onset, and progression. History was followed by a detailed clinical examination of all the patients. General examination was done with special emphasis on Level of consciousness, Pulse, Blood pressure, Respiratory rate, Pallor, Cyanosis, Clubbing, Icterus, Jugular venous pressure, Edema and Body mass index. Detailed systemic examination was done in all patients. Results: Lobar and segmental location of thrombus (90%) was most common finding on CT Pulmonary angiography. Most common risk factor was age > 40 years (66%). followed by previous history suggestive of DVT (44%) and Smoking /tobacco addiction (42%). Dyspnea (92%) was the most common symptom followed by cough and chest pain (44% each). Tachypnea (92%) and tachycardia (88%) were the common findings on general examination. Loud P2 (52%) was the most common finding on systemic examination followed by signs of DVT (42%) and rales (36%). Conclusion: We conclude that Pulmonary embolism was observed in all age groups with a tendency to increased occurrence after the age of forty years. Age more than 40years, previous history suggestive of DVT and Smoking /tobacco addiction were the common risk factors observed. Dyspnea, cough and chest pain were the common presenting symptoms. While tachypnea and tachycardia were the common findings on general examination. Loud P2, signs of DVT and rales were the most common finding on systemic examination.

Key Word: Pulmonary embolism, Clinical profile, risk factors, CT pulmonary angiography.