The Utilisation of Computed Tomography Pulmonary Angiography in a Regional Victorian Emergency Department

Background: Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a critical condition with various recognized risk factors. This study investigates these factors in regional Australian population. Aims: The primary aim to examine the significance of traditional clinical decision request computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA) scan for suspected PE within this population and assess association between timing CTPA requests (office vs. after-hours) occurrence. Methods: In single-center retrospective study, we analyzed data from 434 patients undergoing at Goulburn Valley Health's (GVH) emergency department (ED) January August 2022. Covariates included age, indications, medical background. Statistical tests were applied p-value <0.05 indicating significance. Results: was diagnosed 39 (20.9%) males 17 (6.9%) females, mean age 65.04 years (SD: 16.11). Univariate regression indicated positive PE. Multivariate analysis showed significant unilateral lower limb (LL) swelling/deep vein thrombosis (DVT) (OR: 5.474, p=0.003) negative being female 0.308, p<0.001). Variables such as shortness breath, tachycardia, syncope, chest pain not significantly associated No found time (χ²=0.9535, df=1, p=0.3288). Conclusion: Increasing LL swelling/DVT are Some signs symptoms or odds but statistically significant. did correlate incidence.