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Does A Normal Lung Perfusion Scan With A Normal Xray
Question: does a normal lung perfusion scan with a normal xray rule out a PE.THe ventilation part of test wasn't done because of the corona virus here in NY.. Have of dvt in upper extremity rifgt brachial vein from a picc line since Dec 13rh.Not able to do blood thinners tried 3 weeks in Dec of eliquis and a day on xarrelto couldn't tolerate side effects.Male 57 174 lbs,eat healthy.
Brief Answer:
Yes, it's the first choice of examination in suspected patients
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to 'Ask A Doctor' service.
I can understand your concern,
Yes, a lung perfusion scan is the examination of choice in patients suspected of pulmonary embolism. If you don't have signs and symptoms such as acute breathlessness, chest pain or less commonly cough then, in my opinion, the probability of having PE is low even if you have DVT. However, you should wear elastic stocks, try to move the extremities frequently.
On the contrary, if you have the above signs and symptoms you should absolutely do an Angio CT scan of the chest to exclude pulmonary embolism. Please discuss this with your doctor.
Hope to have been helpful
Dr. Jolanda
Yes, it's the first choice of examination in suspected patients
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to 'Ask A Doctor' service.
I can understand your concern,
Yes, a lung perfusion scan is the examination of choice in patients suspected of pulmonary embolism. If you don't have signs and symptoms such as acute breathlessness, chest pain or less commonly cough then, in my opinion, the probability of having PE is low even if you have DVT. However, you should wear elastic stocks, try to move the extremities frequently.
On the contrary, if you have the above signs and symptoms you should absolutely do an Angio CT scan of the chest to exclude pulmonary embolism. Please discuss this with your doctor.
Hope to have been helpful
Dr. Jolanda
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
Can't do angio ct due to allergic reaction to contrast XXXXXXX .Been getting chest pain and shortness of breath that's why the perfusion part of vq scan was done with a chest xray.
The dvt is in the right arm in the brachial vein.
Brief Answer:
Continue discussion
Detailed Answer:
Hi again
In such patients with contrast allergy we do a premedication with steroids IV one day before the chest CT in close consultation with alergologist specialist . As you explain the situation and according to the perfusion scan it doesn't seem to me you have PE. However in my opinion you should take LMWH regardless side effects . Nevertheless it's your treating doctor to decide exactly which is the best option for you.
Regards
Dr.Jolanda
Continue discussion
Detailed Answer:
Hi again
In such patients with contrast allergy we do a premedication with steroids IV one day before the chest CT in close consultation with alergologist specialist . As you explain the situation and according to the perfusion scan it doesn't seem to me you have PE. However in my opinion you should take LMWH regardless side effects . Nevertheless it's your treating doctor to decide exactly which is the best option for you.
Regards
Dr.Jolanda
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Kampana
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