Abstract
Introduction: Pulmonary Embolism (PE) is associated with significant mortality. Although clinical algorithms and improved imaging have resulted in faster and more accurate diagnosis of PE, predictors of mortality remain an area of speculation.
Aim: To assess the role of D-dimers, Troponin and CRP as predictors of all cause mortality 2 years post investigation of suspected PE.
Method: We collected biochemical reports for 561 patients who had a total of 576 computerised-tomography pulmonary angiograms (CTPAs) performed between February 2008 and January 2009 for suspected PE. We were able to accurately confirm whether or not 461 (82.2%) of the patients had died, from any cause, as of February 2011. Data were analysed using MS excel.
Results:
Table 1
Discussion: There was no overall difference in all cause mortality at 2 years post CTPA for suspected PE between those who had a PE and those who did not. Mortality was equally high (15%) in both groups, regardless of presence or absence of PE at the time of investigation.
None of the biochemical markers we studied were associated with increased mortality. Only 220 (48%) and 174 (38%) patients had D-dimer and Troponin (known to be associated with increased all-cause mortality) measured respectively, although 369 (80%) had CRP measured. This may explain why an elevated Troponin was not associated with increased mortality in our study.
- © 2011 ERS
