Analysis of the iodine distribution map in patients with diagnosis of pulmonary embolism: Initial results

Abstract

Objectives: Analysing the iodine map distribution in patients with pulmonary embolism diagnosis by Dual Energy Computed Tomography. Materials and methods: Twenty-four images of pulmonary angiotomography by dual energy computed tomography were used to determinate the presence of pulmonary thrombi and identify the perfusion defects (PDs) in the Iodine Maps. Moreover, the iodine density (mg/ml) were measured in normal lung parenchyma and lung parenchyma with PDs areas. The documentary analysis was used thought the data collection sheet and the Likert scale questionnaire. The statistic software SPSS v.25 was used. Results: Thirty-four thrombi were found (21 occlusive and 13 partials occlusive) at monochromatic images. Forty-one perfusion defects (PD) were found at Iodine Maps, these have multiple origins: pulmonary thrombi (69.23%), artifacts (17.95%) and other alterations (12.82%). Furthermore, two new thrombi (5.56%) were identified, both were occlusive and segmental level. Mean Iodine density showed statistically significant differences among normal lung parenchyma (1.65 ± 0.66 mg/ml; [0.77-2.79 mg/ ml]) and parenchyma with PD areas (0.51 ± 0.26 mg/ml; [0.12-1.02 mg/ml])(p=0.000). Mean iodine density also had statistically significant differences between parenchyma with occlusive PD and partial occlusive PD (p=0.000). Iodine Map diagnostic quality was excellent (54.17%), good (33.33%), moderate (12.50%). Conclusion: The Iodine distribution Map offers a benefit greater than 5% in the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism by Dual-Energy Computed Tomography.

Keywords

• Iodine Mapping
• Pulmonary Embolism
• Dual Energy
• Computed Tomography