Abstract
Purpose: Debate about the potential implementation of SpiraI-CT in diagnostic algorithms of pulmonary embolism are often focussed on sensitivity and specificity in the context of comparative methodologic studies. We intend to investigate whether additional factors might influence this debate. Materials and methods: On the basis of the current literature and of own experience we study the influence of factors such as availability, acceptance, patient-outcome, and cost effectiveness-studies on the potential implementation of Spiral-CT in diagnostic algorithms of pulmonary embolism. This information is analyzed together with data from comparative methodologic studies. Results: The factors availability, acceptance, patient-outcome, and cost-effectiveness-studies do have substantial influence on the implementation of Spiral-CT in the diagnostic algorithms of pulmonary embolism. Incorporation of these factors into the discussion might lead to more flexible and more patient-oriented algorithms for the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism. Conclusion: Availability of equipment, acceptance among clinicians, patient-outcome, and cost-effectiveness evaluations should be implemented into the debate about potential implementation of Spiral-CT in routine diagnostic imaging algorithms of pulmonary embolism.
Translated title of the contribution | Spiral-CT-angiography of acute pulmonary embolism: Factors that influence the implementation into standard diagnostic algorithms |
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Original language | German |
Pages (from-to) | 248-255 |
Number of pages | 8 |
Journal | Radiologe |
Volume | 38 |
Issue number | 4 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Apr 1998 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Acceptance
- Acute pulmonary embolism
- Availability
- Cost-effectiveness-studies
- Diagnostic algorithms
- Spiral-CT-angiography
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Radiology Nuclear Medicine and imaging