Pulmonary embolism - angioct (CTA) assessment of vascular occlusion extent and localization of emboli

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is caused by occlusion of the pulmonary artery or its branches. CTA is a "gold standard" for the diagnosis and extent determination of PE. The etiology of embolic material may influence the extent and localization of embolism. The CTA assessment of influence of PE etiology on extent of vascular occlusion and clot localization. The study group consisted of 24 patients divided into two subgroups (15 patients with deep venous thrombosis - DVT and 9 patients with heart failure/chronic obstructive pulmonary disease - HF/COPD; respectively group A and group B) were taken into consideration. The location of clots and an average percentage of vascular stenosis in CTA were analysed in these two subgroups. The mean percentage of vessel occlusion was 20,49% vs. 14,22% respectively in group A vs. group B. Bilateral occlusion of vessels was more frequent in group A and unilateral in group B. DVT may predispose to bilateral occlusion and more severe vessels obstruction.