RESUMEN
Background: CT-pulmonary angiography [CTPA] is routinely performed in patients with suspected pulmonary embolism [PE] and a positive relationship between Qanadli score [Q-score] and RVdysfunction enables the clinicians in early diagnosis and management of RV-dysfunction on the basis of this single imaging modality. Objective of the study was to determine the correlation between an established angiographic clot burden score [Qanadli score-QS] and parameters of right ventricular dysfunction [RVD] on CT pulmonary angiography in patients with acute pulmonary embolism
Methods: A Cross-sectional study was carried out for the period of six months from 16 Jun to 15 Dec 2016. Total of forty-six [46] patients of either gender aged 15-70 years with confirmed evidence of PE were recruited. The Q-score and parameters of RV-dysfunction [LV/RV, ratio, SVC diameter, AVdiameter and PA/Ao ratio] were calculated in each patient. Correlation between Q-Score and RV parameters were determined and binary logistic regression analysis was applied to assess Q-score as an independent predictor of RV-dysfunction
Results: Avery strong positive correlation was found between Q-score and LV/RV ratio [r>0.7, p<0.05] collectively and after gender and age based stratification. No significant correlation was found between Q-score and other RV parameters among both genders and age groups [p>0.05 in all cases]. No independent factors were found to be significantly related to RV dysfunction after adjustment for other factors [p>0.05]
Conclusion: Qanadli score on CT pulmonary angiogram correlates positively with indicators of right ventricular dysfunction of CT angiogram in patients with acute pulmonary embolism and confer a poor prognosis with higher scores