Systematic Lung Scans Reveal a High Frequency of Silent Pulmonary Embolism in Patients With Proximal Deep Venous Thrombosis

Abstract
LUNG SCINTIGRAPHIC and angiographic abnormalities suggesting silent PE have been reported in 40% to 60% of patients with deep venous thrombosis (DVT).1-7 However, study criteria used to estimate the frequency of PE in patients with DVT vary. Except for 1 study performed in outpatients with DVT,2 all have involved only a limited number of patients with silent PE, many of whom had secondary DVT and multiple risk factors. Researchers frequently adopt different scintigraphic diagnostic criteria for PE, and the timing of scintigraphy has differed from one study to another.

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