Evaluation Of Risk Factors In Patients Diagnosed With Pulmonary Embolism By CT Angiography At Dubai Hospital Emergency

Abstract

Background: This study presents a statistical analysis of the risk factors associated with confirmed cases of pulmonary embolism (PE) at the emergency department of Dubai Hospital. The objective is to identify the riskiest patients. Methodology: This is a retrospective analytical study of all patients who presented to the emergency department of Dubai Hospital between January 1, 2018, and June 30, 2020, and were diagnosed with acute pulmonary embolism, confirmed by CT pulmonary angiogram. Results: Obesity was identified in 42.5% of cases, while travelers accounted for 27.7% of pulmonary embolism cases. Other risk factors accounted for 8.5%. Discussion: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk was highest among patients hospitalized after surgery, with a nearly 22-fold increased risk. Patients with neurological diseases and extremity paralysis had a threefold increased risk. For travelers, there is an association between long-distance air travel and VTE, even among individuals at low to moderate risk. Further research is needed to explore traditional risk factors and prophylactic measures in air travel-related VTE. Conclusion: Obesity and referral from the airport medical center were the most prominent risk factors for pulmonary embolism in the Dubai Hospital emergency department.