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What is the best way of diagnosing pulmonary embolisms?

Posted , 5 users are following.

Mohan_Drey
Mohan_Drey

According to the internet the best way is through CT scan but there are two types of CT scan. The first type is CT angiogram and the second is CT with contrast. Which is better? What kind of CT scan was used to diagnose your PEs? I would really appreciate some replies.

0 likes, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • diann72379
    diann72379 Mohan_Drey

    Posted

    My PE blood clot was diagnosed from the CT scan with contrast. I had a PE clot July 2017 was on Eliquis for 6 months. The doctor took me off after 6 months cause all the tests that they thought could have triggered my clot came back negative so he took me off the Eliquis two months later I had another one April 2018 and it was founded through the CT scan with contrast so now I back on Eliquis for life. I hope this helps
    • sue28123
      sue28123 diann72379

      Posted

      Me too. Off the Coumadin less then 3 months and developed blood clots in my lungs again. Now a lifer on blood thinners.
  • peter54321
    peter54321 Mohan_Drey

    Posted

    My clots were picked up by the emergency room with a d-dimer reading 2300. This was ignored by the consultant and only when I collapsed a week later was a contrast CT carried out which showed all the clots.

    So, I guess what I am saying is the most important aspect of the diagnosis wasn’t to much which test, but the skill and attitude of the doctors.

  • sue28123
    sue28123 Mohan_Drey

    Posted

    I had the CT angiogram with contrast both times I had PE's.

  • madeleine73402
    madeleine73402 Mohan_Drey

    Posted

    Hi Mohan,

    I would say that the CT Scan with contrast saved my life.

    When I attended A&E the medical consultant wanted to send me to my GP to investigate my breathlessness etc. I felt too ill to argue so nearly left A&E. LUCKILY a nurse came back with my blood results and sent me for X-Ray and from there for a contrast CT Scan which showed a massive saddle clot across both lungs.

    If you are at all worried push for tests and the CT scan with contrast. I hope this is useful for you.

     

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