Age-related incidence of pulmonary embolism and additional pathologic findings detected by computed tomography pulmonary angiography

Objective

To compare the incidence of pulmonary embolism (PE) and additional pathologic findings (APF) detected by computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA) according to different age-groups.

Materials and methods

1353 consecutive CTPA cases for suspected PE were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were divided into seven age groups: ≤29, 30–39, 40–49, 50–59, 60–69, 70–79 and ≥80 years. Differences between the groups were tested using Fisher's exact or chi-square test. A p-value < 0.0024 indicated statistical significance when Bonferroni correction was used.

Results

Incidence rates of PE ranged from 11.4% to 25.4% in different age groups. The three main APF were pleural effusion, pneumonia and pulmonary nodules. No significant difference was found between the incidences of PE in different age groups. Furthermore, APF in different age groups revealed no significant differences (all p-values > 0.0024).

Conclusion

The incidences of PE and APF detected by CTPA reveal no significant differences between various age groups.