The assessment of pulmonary embolism prognosis by multi-slice spiral computed tomography

Purpose To determine the quantification of pulmonary embolus with MSCT to predict the patient's expectation. Methods MSCT was performed in 23 patients. A pulmonary arterial obstruction index was derived from embolus size and location. PE indexs were compared with patient prognosis such as the PE volume and survival. Results One of 16 patients with an index of less than 60% died. Six of 7 patients died with an index of 60% and higher. Conclusion Quantification of pulmonary embolus with CT could be used to a pred tor of patient prognosis.