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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Is CT Scan Necessary To Detect Pulmonary Embolism?

Hi, Im 58, 5'9", 195, have panic disorder, periodic shortness of breath, poor spirometry score, and D-Dimer of 498. My doc wants a lung CT scan to look for embolisms, but this shortness of breath has been going on for years w/little change. (Former smoker with hyperinflated lungs and granulomas on X Ray consistent with emphysema). No cough or other problems Is this CT scan for an embolism necessary, in your opinion? Or could he be looking for something else w/hyperinflated lung X Ray, low spirometry score, and relatively high D-Dimer?
posted on Fri, 14 Mar 2014
Twitter Tue, 13 Sep 2016 Answered on
Twitter Tue, 13 Sep 2016 Last reviewed on
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi welcome to health care magic....

You are having emphysema changes along with high D dimer score...

So here yes pulmonary embolism has to be ruled out...

For that you needs definitely angiography..
CT angiography and Echocardiography will be beneficial for that.....

For embolism if needed than low molecular weight heparin therapy should be started. ...
Than after oral anticoagulant given for maintainance as per requirement....

Calf examination also done to look for deep vein thrombosis....

For emphysema pulmonary rehabilitation and bronchodilator therapy useful....

Avoid smoking....

Take care

Advise : Pulmonologist consultation for examination......If needed cardiologist advise can be taken after examination...
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Is CT Scan Necessary To Detect Pulmonary Embolism?

Hi welcome to health care magic.... You are having emphysema changes along with high D dimer score... So here yes pulmonary embolism has to be ruled out... For that you needs definitely angiography.. CT angiography and Echocardiography will be beneficial for that..... For embolism if needed than low molecular weight heparin therapy should be started. ... Than after oral anticoagulant given for maintainance as per requirement.... Calf examination also done to look for deep vein thrombosis.... For emphysema pulmonary rehabilitation and bronchodilator therapy useful.... Avoid smoking.... Take care Advise : Pulmonologist consultation for examination......If needed cardiologist advise can be taken after examination...