Parenchymal Density Changes in Acute Pulmonary Embolism: Can Quantitative Ct Be A Diagnostic Tool? A Preliminary Study

PURPOSE:Determine the ability of quantitative CT (QCT) in defining parenchymal density changes in acute pulmonary embolism (PE).MATERIAL & METHODS:Mean lung density (MLD) and percentage distribution values (PDV) were calculated in 34 patients suspected of PE using software application based on computerized volumetric anatomical segmentation.RESULTS:Total, left, and right MLD differed significantly between emboli positive(n=23) and negative(n=11) groups(p<0.006, p<0.009, p<0.014). PDVs differed between groups (p<0.05) except for LUZ and RLZ. When PE was present in lobe &/segment branches, PDVs were significantly lower except RUZ.CONCLUSION:QCT is a promising application for defining parenchymal density changes in PE revealing potential functional impact of emboli. This preliminary study suggests QCT could provide added value to CTPA in peripheral PE.