The Prevalence of Pulmonary Embolism (PE) among Cancer Patients as Incidental Findings using Computed Tomography (CT): A Single-Centre Study

Abstract

Incidental pulmonary embolisms (PE) are defined as an unsuspected filling defect of the pulmonary arteries identified on the computed tomography (CT) images. Due to its asymptomatic nature, PE was knowns as the most common cause of death for patients who are bedridden and the second most common cause of death for cancer patients. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of incidental PE in cancer patients undergoing routine CT scans at a single institution. This study seeks to categorize primary cancer types, assess the prevalence of incidental PE, and identify the typical locations of emboli within the branches of the pulmonary artery. The relationship between risk factors and the occurrence of PE was subsequently assessed. 534 cancer patients’ data who underwent CT scans from January to June 2023 were reviewed. The results indicated that accidental PE was most prevalent in lung cancer (25.6%), followed by gastrointestinal tract cancer (21%) and breast cancer (16.3%). The right lower pulmonary artery was the most frequently affected arterial site, accounting for 25.6%. The findings underscored the importance of thorough physical examination screening for cancer patients to facilitate early detection and intervention of incidental PE.