New Diagnostic Tools for Pulmonary Embolism Detection

Methodist Debakey Cardiovasc J. 2024 May 16;20(3):5-12. doi: 10.14797/mdcvj.1342. eCollection 2024.

Abstract

The presentation of pulmonary embolism (PE) varies from asymptomatic to life-threatening, and management involves multiple specialists. Timely diagnosis of PE is based on clinical presentation, D-dimer testing, and computed tomography pulmonary angiogram (CTPA), and assessment by a Pulmonary Embolism Response Team (PERT) is critical to management. Artificial intelligence (AI) technology plays a key role in the PE workflow with automated detection and flagging of suspected PE in CTPA imaging. HIPAA-compliant communication features of mobile and web-based applications may facilitate PERT workflow with immediate access to imaging, team activation, and real-time information sharing and collaboration. In this review, we describe contemporary diagnostic tools, specifically AI, that are important in the triage and diagnosis of PE.

Keywords: artificial intelligence; pulmonary embolism; pulmonary embolism response team (PERT); triage; venous thromboembolism.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Artificial Intelligence*
  • Biomarkers* / blood
  • Computed Tomography Angiography*
  • Fibrin Fibrinogen Degradation Products* / analysis
  • Fibrin Fibrinogen Degradation Products* / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Predictive Value of Tests*
  • Prognosis
  • Pulmonary Artery / diagnostic imaging
  • Pulmonary Artery / physiopathology
  • Pulmonary Embolism* / diagnosis
  • Pulmonary Embolism* / diagnostic imaging
  • Radiographic Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted
  • Workflow

Substances

  • fibrin fragment D