Radiology 1998 Apr;207(1):201-6
Pulmonary embolus in pregnant patients: survey of ventilation-perfusion
imaging policies and practices.
Boiselle PM, Reddy SS, Villas PA, Liu A, Seibyl JP.
PURPOSE: To assess the policies and practices of nuclear medicine facilities as
regards ventilation-perfusion (V-P) imaging in pregnant patients suspected of
having pulmonary embolus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Surveys were mailed to
physician-directors of 1,000 randomly selected facilities at which nuclear
imaging studies are performed. Information gathered included use of V-P imaging
in pregnant patients, written policies, informed consent procedures, and
modifications of standard protocols. RESULTS: Of the 1,000 surveys mailed, 327
(33%) completed surveys were returned. Of these 327 respondents, 220 (67%)
reported that they perform V-P imaging in pregnant patients suspected of having
pulmonary embolus. Of these 220 respondents, 115 (52%) routinely obtain informed
consent, and 170 (77%) modify their standard V-P imaging protocol for pregnant
patients. The most common modification (135 [79%] of 170 respondents) was
reduction of the perfusion agent dose. Reported practice patterns for written
policies, informed consent, and modifications did not show statistically
significant trends among respondents in varying practice settings or geographic
locations. CONCLUSION: Most respondents perform V-P imaging in pregnant patients
suspected of having pulmonary embolus, with considerable variability in their
policies and practices.
