Utilization of Computed Tomography Pulmonary Angiography Imaging for Suspected Pulmonary Embolism Based on the Patient's Race and Sex (H-49038)

Background: Studies have reported differences in the care provided according to the sex and race of the patient. A PE in the lungs can lead to respiratory distress and even death. Timely detection of a suspected pulmonary embolism (sPE) is paramount to reducing morbidity and mortality. The gold standard for detecting a sPE is with a computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA) image. Validated clinical decision algorithms, taking into account patient history, risk factors, and vital signs, exist to help clinicians in their decision to pursue a CTPA on patients presenting to the Emergency Department (ED). The d-dimer, a byproduct of the degradation of a blood clot, is a laboratory value often used with these algorithms. What is not known is if the patient's race or sex have an impact on the utilization of CTPA for sPE. The race and sex-based d-dimer cutoffs at which patients receive CTPA for spE is also unknown.

Purpose: The study seeks to discover race and sex-based differences in CT utilization practices that can be applied to clinical practices and improve morbidity and mortality.

Project status: Enrolling patients from the Emergency Department

Coordinator Role: screen, consent, enroll and collect data.

Open to students: Yes