The Role of133Xe Ventilation Studies in the Scintigraphic Detection of Pulmonary Embolism

Abstract

The angiographic, scintigraphic and clinical data of 40 patients were reviewed in order to define to role of 133Xe ventilation studies in the radionuclide detection of pulmonary embolism. Two independent observers interpreted the perfusion images, and several weeks later reinterpreted them in conjunction with 133Xe ventilation studies. Overall diagnostic accuracy was significantly improved (P < 0.05) when the xenon studies were included. The combined studies were slightly more sensitive and significantly more specific (P < 0.05) for pulmonary embolism than the perfusion images alone.