Quantitative evaluation of computed tomography findings in patients with pulmonary embolism: the link between D-Dimer level and thrombus volume

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: To investigate the correlation of D-dimer levels and computed tomography properties of pulmonary embolism. METHODS: A total of 58 treated patients with diagnosis of properties of pulmonary embolism were retrospectively studied. All patients underwent a D-dimer blood test. In computed tomography images, septal angle, interventricular septal thickness, and the diameters of all cardiac chambers and pulmonary arteries were measured. The thrombus volume (load) and density at all pulmonary arteries (main, right, left pulmonary arteries, and segmental arteries) were calculated. RESULTS: A significant correlation was found between D-dimer and total thrombus volume (p=0.009, r=0.342). Total thrombus volume and total thrombus density were calculated with mean value of 23.40±60.63 ml and 66.16±38.48 hounsfield unit (HU), respectively. Right ventricle/left ventricle ratio showed positive correlation with the D-dimer level (p=0.02). CONCLUSION: Increased D-dimer levels with RV/LV ratio and their correlation with total thrombus volume suggest that it may be a prognostic factor.

Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma and Gastric Metastasis: A Very Rare Case Report and Literature Review.

Introduction: Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare neoplasm. It has closed association with occupational asbestos exposure. Symptoms are commonly due to local invasion of pleura and mediastinal structures. MPM may have local or rarely distant organ metastasis by haematogenous spread in different organs such as liver, adrenal gland, kidney and contralateral lung. However, gastrointestinal involvement is very rare. Case Report: We report herein a 58-year-old female patient who was presented with back painand finally was diagnosed as MPM with distant metastasis to the stomach. Conclusion: Clinical, imaging and histopathologic findings play an important role in influencing the prognosis as well as treatment.

Asymptomatic Isolated Cardiac Hydatid Cyst with Pulmonary Artery Extension.

Introduction: Hydatid disease is a kind of parasitic infection which is caused by Echinococcus granulosus. It is commonly characterized by cystic formation. Almost all organs can be affected by the infection, however, cardiac and especially right ventricular hydatid cystic involvement, is very rare. Also pulmonary artery extension occurs rarely. Case Report: We report herein imaging findings of a -year-old asymptomatic male patient with cardiac hydatid cyst and pulmonary artery extension. He contour lobulation of paracardiac region in the chest. A film was the only clue for making diagnosis. Conclusion: Imaging modalities are heplful in detecting the pathology.