| Title: | Prevalence and correlates of pulmonary embolism among Covid-19 patients undergoing CT pulmonary angiography” |
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| Author(s): | S Noor K Constantinou |
| Institution: | St James Hospital |
| Poster: | Click to view poster |
| Category: | COVID 19 |
| Abstract: | Many patients hospitalised with Covid-19 undergo CTPA. Early reports had suggested a significant burden of pulmonary embolism (PE) in Covid-19 populations, but as the pandemic has evolved, this relationship has become come under greater scrutiny. We assessed the burden of PE in Covid-19 patients undergoing CTPA at our institution. All patients with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection who underwent CTPA in January and February 2021 were included. Demographic and clinical characteristics, calculated Well’s scores, D-Dimer levels, and outcomes were compared between patients with and without PE. Of 123 Covid-19 patients who underwent CTPA, 15 (12.2%) had PE. No significant differences were seen in demographic factors, gas exchange, respiratory support, or co-morbidities. No difference was seen in calculated risk of PE (median Well’s score 4.5(2.5-5.5) vs 4.5(3.0-5.5); p=0.425), but D-Dimers were significantly higher with PE (6,226±4,252 vs 1,528±1762 ng/ml; p<0.001). No PEs were identified in patients with a D-Dimer level <1,000ng/ml. No difference was seen in length of stay (9.0 (IQR 4.5-26) vs 10 (IQR 3-14) days; p=0.363) or mortality (13.3% vs 12.8%; p=0.968). Pulmonary embolism is not uncommon in patients with Covid-19 undergoing CTPA, and is associated with elevations in D-Dimer levels. Clinical risk scores may be less reliable in Covid-19 populations. |
