The total number of CTPAs performed for suspected PE stood at 87 in 2000 but jumped to 1,115 in 2005 and to 1,883 in 2008, reported Dr. Chandra, a second-year fellow in the division of pulmonary and critical care at the medical center. In contrast, the percentage of CTPAs that were positive for PE declined during the same period, from 30% in 2000 to 20% in 2005 to 15% in 2008.
According to the survey results docs are not applying pretest probability assessment to guide use of CTs.
Even more importantly, why not just order a good old fashioned V/Q scan? Test performance in appropriately selected patients is as good as CT.
I bet this is keeping the nephrologists busy.
Via Hospitalist News.
1 comment:
There's no shortage of Ultravist while there is a shortage of Tc99m.
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