Faculty Advisor(s)
Lynn Blazaskie
Abstract
Abstract
A pulmonary embolism is a potentially fatal disease in which a blood clot obstructs the pulmonary artery. Pulmonary emboli affect thousands of people every year in the United States. A timely diagnosis is vital to ensure quick and proper treatment and resolution. Signs and symptoms can vary among different patients, but some include shortness of breath, chest pain, syncope, and leg pain. Computed tomography (CT) is the golden standard for diagnosis, specifically a CT pulmonary angiogram, which quickly and accurately visualizes clots in the pulmonary artery using iodinated contrast in the form of a bolus better than any other modality. Other CT studies may be performed such as a non-contrast chest scan or performance of the study in the venous phase. Treatments vary depending on the severity of the emboli and range from medications to surgery. With advancements in medicine and diagnostic tests, mortality rates have significantly decreased. The prognosis in patients with pulmonary emboli have improved with timely intervention.
Publication Date
2023
Document Type
Poster
Department
Medical Imaging
Keywords
pulmonary embolism, computed tomography, computed tomography pulmonary angiogram, pulmonary embolism detection
Disciplines
Medicine and Health Sciences | Radiology
Recommended Citation
O'Brien, Marissa, "Detecting a Pulmonary Embolism Using Computed Tomography" (2023). Medical Imaging Senior Posters. 46.
https://digitalcommons.misericordia.edu/medimg_seniorposters/46