Volumetric evaluation of dual-energy perfusion CT for the assessment of intrapulmonary clot burden

Aim To evaluate the volumetric values of intrapulmonary clots (IPCs) using 64-section dual-energy perfusion computed tomography (DEpCT). Materials and methods A total of 174 patients suspected of having acute pulmonary embolism (PE) underwent DEpCT, and acute PE was diagnosed in 48 of these patients. DEpCT images were three-dimensionally reconstructed with four threshold ranges: 1–120 HU (V120 ), 1–15 HU (V15 ), 1–10 HU (V10 ), and 1–5 HU (V5 ). Each relative value per V120 was expressed as %V15 , %V10 and %V5 . These values were compared with the d -dimer, pulmonary arterial (PA) pressure, right ventricular (RV) diameter, RV/left ventricular diameter ratio, PA diameter, and CT angiographic obstruction index (CTOI). Results In patients with IPCs, PA pressure, d -dimer and volumetric values of DEpCT were significantly higher ( p