[Asymptomatic pulmonary embolism and venous thrombosis of the lower limbs. Study with spiral x-ray computed tomography].

AIM

Spiral Computed Tomography (CT) allows diagnosis and follow-up in pulmonary embolism (PE).

MATERIAL AND METHOD

We studied prospectively with spiral CT 21 patients to evaluate the frequency and the extent of asymptomatic PE in the patients with lower limbs venous thrombosis and no pulmonary symptomatology.

RESULTS

We observed a asymptomatic PE in 8/21 cases (34%). Extensive pulmonary thrombosis could be observed despite normal presentation. There was no association between the localization of PE topography and, the extent of the lower limb venous thrombosis extent.

CONCLUSION

This study shows about the capability for CT to evaluate PE severity and clinical underestimation PE occurrence.