Role of multidetector spiral CT scanning for pulmonary embolism confirmation in a child with pulmonary hypertension: a case report
Abstract
Pulmonary embolism (PE) is associated withconsiderable morbidity and mortality. Early
diagnosis and prompt treatment is essential, 1 • 2
however PE is rarely clinically diagnosed or
treated in children. Most clinically significant PE is not
recognized antemortem. 3Â While its diagnosis remains
a challenge as the signs and symptoms can often be
non-specific, an accurate diagnosis is essential for the
management of this disease. It is known that a number
of non-invasive diagnostic tools are available for its
detection nowadays. 1 • 2 .4 Even though multi-detector
spiral, also called helical, CT scanning is promising
and has been proven to be useful in diagnosing this
condition with high sensitivity and specificity, 5 it is
unavailable even in referral hospitals in Indonesia.
The gold standard, pulmonary angiography, is
considered as the procedure of choice to diagnose PE,
but unfortunately it is invasive. Failure to diagnose PE
accurately and promptly can result in excess morbidity
and death due to pulmonary hypertension (PH) and
recurrent venous thromboembolic events. Conversely,
unnecessary anticoagulation therapy poses a risk
without any benefit.2
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Accepted 2016-09-05
Published 2009-03-01