Temporal Trends in the Use of Computed Tomographic Pulmonary Angiography for Suspected Pulmonary Embolism

acpjournals.org
Pulmonary Embolism

Despite the recent validation of clinical decision rules to limit the use of computed tomographic pulmonary angiography (CTPA), an increase in the CTPA rate along with more diagnosed pulmonary embolism (PE) and especially low-risk PEs were instead observed.

8,970 CTPAs were included (median age, 63 years; 56% female).

Statistically significant temporal trends for more frequent use of CTPA, more diagnosed PEs, a higher proportion of low-risk PEs (annual percent change [APC], 13.8% [95% CI, 2.6% to 30.1%]) with more ambulatory management, and a lower proportion of intensive care unit admissions were observed.

Read More