The combined use of end-tidal carbon dioxide and alveolar dead space fraction values in the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism

Abstract

Background: Several studies have reported that computed tomography pulmonary angiography is the best method for diagnosing pulmonary embolism (PE). This study, however, aimed to predict or exclude PE using the end-tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO2) value and alveolar dead space fraction (AVDSf) together. Methods and Materials: One-hundred patients were included in the present study. Patients with suspected PE were evaluated using clinical prediction rules proposed by the Wells and the Modified Geneva scoring systems. PE was ruled out in patients with normal d-dimer concentrations ( 28.5 mmHg. The diagnosis of PE was excluded in 100 % of patients with low Wells and Modified Geneva scoring system scores with AVDSf 0.128. Conclusion: It was possible to exclude/predict PE based on ETCO2 and AVDSf values calculated using capnography when evaluated with clinical prediction rules and d-dimer test using an algorithm.

Keywords

• Pulmonary embolism
• Clinical prediction rules
• ETCO2
• AVDSf