Application value of dual-energy CT perfusion imaging in acute pulmonary embolism examination / 中国辐射卫生

ABSTRACT

Objective To analyze the pulmonary perfusion defect index (PPDI) of dual-energy computed tomography (CT) and pulmonary artery obstruction index (PAOI) of conventional CT angiography, and to investigate the clinical application value of dual-energy CT perfusion imaging in the examination of patients with acute pulmonary embolism. Methods A retrospective study was conducted on 21 patients diagnosed with acute pulmonary embolism in Weifang People's Hospital from January 1, 2022 to December 31, 2022. PPDI, PAOI, and maximum plasma D-dimer concentration (mg/L) were calculated. According to the 2019 ESC Guidelines, the patients were divided into low-risk group (n = 8) and medium-risk group (n = 12). The Mann-Whitney U test was used for between-group comparisons. The Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient was used to analyze the correlations between PAOI, PPDI, and plasma D-dimer concentration. Results The PPDI, PAOI, and D-dimer values in the low-risk group were 3.33 (2.09, 4.58), 5.00 (3.13, 5.00), and 0.67 (0.52, 0.79), respectively. The PPDI, PAOI, and D-dimer values in the middle-risk group were 8.34 (5.42, 12.50), 12.50 (8.13, 15.00), and 1.18 (0.86, 2.87), respectively. The Z-values of comparison between the two groups were −3.092, −3.650, and −3.318, respectively (all P < 0.05). There were significant differences in PPDI, PAOI, and D-dimer between the low-risk and middle-risk groups (P < 0.05). Positive correlations were observed between PPDI and PAOI, between PPDI and D-dimer, and between PAOI and D-dimer (rs = 0.869, 0.918, 0.909, all P < 0.05). Conclusion Both PPDI and PAOI can be used for the clinical examination of patients with acute pulmonary embolism and evaluation of the severity of the disease. Compared with conventional CT, dual-energy CT perfusion imaging is more efficient in the diagnosis of acute pulmonary embolism, and facilitates accurate clinical treatment.