Spiral CT findings in septic pulmonary emboli

Objectives: The aim of the study was to determine the characteristics of se ptic pulmonary emboli and their prevalence on spiral computed tomographic ( CT) scans. Methods and materials: We evaluated 65 lesions on spiral CT scan s in ten patients with septic pulmonary emboli. Spiral CT scans (10-mm coll imation) were obtained at 10-mm intervals from the lung apex to the diaphra gm and were compared with posteroanterior chest radiographs obtained within 24 h after CT scanning. Results: Only 21 (32%) of the 65 lesions detected on CT scans were also detected on chest radiographs. Peripheral nodules (39 lesions (60%)) were sent in all ten patients, wedge-shaped peripheral lesi ons (15 lesions (23%)) in nine patients, and infiltrates (11 lesions (17%)) in four patients. Subpleural lesions (45 lesions (69%)) and feeding vessel s (35 (54%)) were found in all patients, and cavitary lesions (seven lesion s (11%)) were seen in four patients. Subpleural peripheral nodules and wedg e-shaped peripheral lesions were seen in nine patients. Thirty-two lesions (49%) ranged in diameter from 10 to 19 mm, and 59 lesions (91%) were less t han 30 mm. Conclusions: Spiral CT is useful in detecting septic pulmonary e mboli. On spiral CT subpleural peripheral nodules and wedge-shaped peripher al lesions less than 30 mm in diameter are often found in patients with sep tic pulmonary emboli. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights res erved.