Angiologia: Acesso Aberto
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Asymptomatic Pulmonary Embolism in Cancer Patients About a Serial of 12 Cases

Hamid Channane, Selim Atay, Andreea Sandica, Iurii Snopok, Richard Viebahn

Introduction: Cancer patients are explored by Computed Tomography (CT) scans more than others. The study reports the local prevalence of these embolisms, the oncological profile of the cases as well as the therapeutic management. Method: The work was based on the analysis of the CT-examinations performed on patients of the Radiology department, for reasons other than the search for Pulmonary Embolism (PE). The examinations are interpreted by 2 radiologist doctors. Results: In 389 patients, 12 cases of asymptomatic Pulmonary Embolism (PE) were detected, representing prevalence of the order of 3%. The mean age of onset is 67 years. 11 patients had metastatic cancer at the time of diagnosis of Pulmonary Embolism (PE). 4 PE patients are proximal, while 8 others had segmental and/or sub-segmental PE. 10 patients are treated for carcinomas, the rest for melanoma and splenic lymphoma. After analysis of clinical records, 3 of the 4 proximal Pulmonary Embolism (PE) were manifested by a discrete clinical symptom attributed to diagnoses other than Pulmonary Embolism (PE). 10 patients are undergoing chemotherapy alone or combined with radiotherapy, surgery or hormone therapy. At the time of the diagnosis of Pulmonary Embolism (PE), 3 patients were hospitalized, while 9 were followed up on an outpatient basis. Conclusion: Asymptomatic Pulmonary Embolism (PE) in cancer patients is becoming more frequent. Asymptomatic Pulmonary Embolisms (PE) are mainly peripheral, segmental or sub-segmental. As for symptomatic Venous Thromboembolism (VTE), asymptomatic Pulmonary Embolism (PE) is diagnosed in patients with metastatic cancer, especially carcinoma type, and treated with chemotherapy.