Clinical and Demographic Predictors of Acute Pulmonary Embolism in Central Africa Using 64-Rows Multi-Detector Computed Tomography Angiography

Abstract

Background: Acute pulmonary embolism is a life-threatening entity. Its diagnosis remains a challenge for clinicians and it is important to be aware of factors that increase risks of the disease. In this study, we access the clinical and demographic predictors of pulmonary embolism using 64-rows multi-detector Computed Tomography Angiography in central Africa.

Methods: From 01 January to 30 July 2016, the data record of patients who underwent chest 64-rows multi-detector Computed Tomography Angiography indicated for clinical suspicion of acute pulmonary embolism at Biamba Marie Mutombo Dikembe Hospital were retrospectively were revisited and analyzed using logistic regression models.

Results: Sixty-five consecutive patients (age range, 24 to 84 years and mean age 56.8 ± 14.9 years) were included with a female predominance. Pulmonary embolism was formerly detected in 17 patients (26.2% of cases). Age ? 65 years (OR = 9.5 CI 95%:14.74, 60.79, p = 0.018) and obesity (OR = 40.8 CI 95%:2.85, 58.44, p = 0.006) were the predictors of pulmonary embolism. Heart disease and pneumonia were the main pathologies associated and the main alternative diagnoses.

Conclusion: This study shows that age and obesity were independent predictors of PE. In central Africa where Computed Tomography machine is not widely available, aged and obese patients with a clinical suspicion of pulmonary embolism should be dealt with as a higher suspicion of true pulmonary embolism.