Impact of pulmonary infarction after thromboembolism: a multicenter study

Abstract

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate the impact of parenchymal infarction (PI) on the progression of pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE). METHODS: This retrospective, multicenter study evaluated patients diagnosed as having PTE via thoracic computed tomography angiography (CTA). Patients were divided into two groups, those with PI (Group 1) and those without PI (Group 2), based on CTA parenchymal windows. Clinical, demographic, radiologic, and laboratory characteristics, prognostic scores (Pulmonary embolism severity ındex [PESI]), early mortality evaluations, and 30-day mortality outcomes were recorded and compared between the groups, adhering to the European Society of Cardiology PTE guidelines. RESULTS: The study included 455 patients (mean age: 63.2 ± 16.8 years; 244 women [53.6%], 211 men [46.4%]). Group 1 consisted of 160 patients (35.2%), and Group 2 included 295 patients (64.8%). The mean age in Group 1 was 59 years, with a comorbidity rate of 70%. In Group 2, these were 65 years and 87%. Fever and C-reactive protein levels were significantly higher in Group 1 (P < 0.05). PESI scores and 30-day mortality rates were not statistically significant between the groups (P > 0.05). However, hemodynamic instability and high-risk PTE rates were significantly higher in Group 1 (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: PI, observed in approximately one-third of PTE patients, may influence certain parameters affecting the prognosis of PTE. © 2025 Annals of Thoracic Medicine.