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Published in: European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging 9/2009

01-09-2009 | Guidelines

EANM guidelines for ventilation/perfusion scintigraphy

Part 2. Algorithms and clinical considerations for diagnosis of pulmonary emboli with V/PSPECT and MDCT

Authors: M. Bajc, J. B. Neilly, M. Miniati, C. Schuemichen, M. Meignan, B. Jonson

Published in: European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging | Issue 9/2009

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Abstract

As emphasized in Part 1 of these guidelines, the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism (PE) is confirmed or refuted using ventilation/perfusion scintigraphy (V/PSCAN) or multidetector computed tomography of the pulmonary arteries (MDCT). To reduce the costs, the risks associated with false-negative and false-positive diagnoses, and unnecessary radiation exposure, preimaging assessment of clinical probability is recommended. Diagnostic accuracy is approximately equal for MDCT and planar V/PSCAN and better for tomography (V/PSPECT). V/PSPECT is feasible in about 99% of patients, while MDCT is often contraindicated. As MDCT is more readily available, access to both techniques is vital for the diagnosis of PE. V/PSPECT gives an effective radiation dose of 1.2–2 mSv. For V/PSPECT, the effective dose is about 35–40% and the absorbed dose to the female breast 4% of the dose from MDCT performed with a dose-saving protocol. V/PSPECT is recommended as a first-line procedure in patients with suspected PE. It is particularly favoured in young patients, especially females, during pregnancy, and for follow-up and research.
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Metadata
Title
EANM guidelines for ventilation/perfusion scintigraphy
Part 2. Algorithms and clinical considerations for diagnosis of pulmonary emboli with V/PSPECT and MDCT
Authors
M. Bajc
J. B. Neilly
M. Miniati
C. Schuemichen
M. Meignan
B. Jonson
Publication date
01-09-2009
Publisher
Springer-Verlag
Published in
European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging / Issue 9/2009
Print ISSN: 1619-7070
Electronic ISSN: 1619-7089
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00259-009-1169-y

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