Utility of ultrasound in the diagnostic work-up of suspected pulmonary embolism: an open-label multicentre randomized controlled trial (the PRIME study) (2024)

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Prevalence of pulmonary embolism (PE) in patients referred to diagnostic imaging is decreasing, indicating a need for improving patient selection. The aim of this study was to assess reduction in referral to diagnostic imaging by integrating a bespoke ultrasound protocol and describe associated failure rate and adverse events in patients with suspected PE.

METHODS: In a randomized open-label multicentre trial spanning June 18, 2021, through Feb 1, 2023, adult patients with suspected PE and 1) a Wells score of 0-6 and elevated age-adjusted D-dimer or 2) Wells score >6 were randomly assigned 1:1 to direct diagnostic imaging (controls) or focused lung, cardiac, and deep venous ultrasound by unblinded investigators. Ultrasound could: 1) dismiss PE if no signs of PE and low clinical suspicion or an alternate diagnosis, 2) confirm PE in case of visible venous thrombus, ≥2 subpleural infarctions, McConnell's, or D-sign, or 3) refer to diagnostic imaging if neither category was fulfilled or a patient with confirmed PE by ultrasound required admission. Primary endpoint was proportion of patients referred to diagnostic imaging. Outcome assessors were not blinded to group assignment. All included participants were included in safety analyses. The trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04882579).

FINDINGS: A total of 150 patients were recruited, of whom 73 were randomized to ultrasound. Among 77 controls referred to diagnostic imaging, 26 patients had PE confirmed. In the ultrasound group, 40 patients were referred to diagnostic imaging of whom 20 had PE, reducing referral for diagnostic imaging by 45.2% (95% CI: 34.3-56.6, p < 0.0001). Three further PEs were diagnosed by presence of a DVT. During 3-month follow-up, the number of patients who did not receive anticoagulation but was diagnosed with PE was two (4%; 95% CI: 1.1-13.5) and none (0%; 95% CI: 0.0-7.0) in the ultrasound and control group, respectively.

INTERPRETATION: Ultrasound substantially reduced referral to diagnostic imaging in suspected PE. Albeit with an unacceptable failure rate.

FUNDING: University of Southern Denmark, Odense University Hospital, Master Carpenter Sophus Jacobsen and wife's foundation, Engineer K. A. Rhode and wife foundation.

Original languageEnglish
Article number100941
JournalThe Lancet regional health. Europe
Volume42
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jul 2024

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© 2024 The Author(s).

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Falster, C., Mørkenborg, M. D., Thrane, M., Clausen, J., Arvig, M., Brockhattingen, K., Biesenbach, P., Paludan, L., Nielsen, R. W., Nhi Huynh, T. A., Poulsen, M. K., Brabrand, M., Møller, J. E., Posth, S., & Laursen, C. B. (2024). Utility of ultrasound in the diagnostic work-up of suspected pulmonary embolism: an open-label multicentre randomized controlled trial (the PRIME study). The Lancet regional health. Europe, 42, Article 100941. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lanepe.2024.100941

Falster, Casper ; Mørkenborg, Mads Damgaard ; Thrane, Mikkel et al. / Utility of ultrasound in the diagnostic work-up of suspected pulmonary embolism : an open-label multicentre randomized controlled trial (the PRIME study). In: The Lancet regional health. Europe. 2024 ; Vol. 42.

@article{b237b1224e4844aeb280919fd8b1db96,

title = "Utility of ultrasound in the diagnostic work-up of suspected pulmonary embolism: an open-label multicentre randomized controlled trial (the PRIME study)",

abstract = "BACKGROUND: Prevalence of pulmonary embolism (PE) in patients referred to diagnostic imaging is decreasing, indicating a need for improving patient selection. The aim of this study was to assess reduction in referral to diagnostic imaging by integrating a bespoke ultrasound protocol and describe associated failure rate and adverse events in patients with suspected PE.METHODS: In a randomized open-label multicentre trial spanning June 18, 2021, through Feb 1, 2023, adult patients with suspected PE and 1) a Wells score of 0-6 and elevated age-adjusted D-dimer or 2) Wells score >6 were randomly assigned 1:1 to direct diagnostic imaging (controls) or focused lung, cardiac, and deep venous ultrasound by unblinded investigators. Ultrasound could: 1) dismiss PE if no signs of PE and low clinical suspicion or an alternate diagnosis, 2) confirm PE in case of visible venous thrombus, ≥2 subpleural infarctions, McConnell's, or D-sign, or 3) refer to diagnostic imaging if neither category was fulfilled or a patient with confirmed PE by ultrasound required admission. Primary endpoint was proportion of patients referred to diagnostic imaging. Outcome assessors were not blinded to group assignment. All included participants were included in safety analyses. The trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04882579).FINDINGS: A total of 150 patients were recruited, of whom 73 were randomized to ultrasound. Among 77 controls referred to diagnostic imaging, 26 patients had PE confirmed. In the ultrasound group, 40 patients were referred to diagnostic imaging of whom 20 had PE, reducing referral for diagnostic imaging by 45.2% (95% CI: 34.3-56.6, p < 0.0001). Three further PEs were diagnosed by presence of a DVT. During 3-month follow-up, the number of patients who did not receive anticoagulation but was diagnosed with PE was two (4%; 95% CI: 1.1-13.5) and none (0%; 95% CI: 0.0-7.0) in the ultrasound and control group, respectively.INTERPRETATION: Ultrasound substantially reduced referral to diagnostic imaging in suspected PE. Albeit with an unacceptable failure rate.FUNDING: University of Southern Denmark, Odense University Hospital, Master Carpenter Sophus Jacobsen and wife's foundation, Engineer K. A. Rhode and wife foundation.",

author = "Casper Falster and M{\o}rkenborg, {Mads Damgaard} and Mikkel Thrane and Jesper Clausen and Michael Arvig and Kristoffer Brockhattingen and Peter Biesenbach and Lasse Paludan and Nielsen, {Rune Wiig} and {Nhi Huynh}, {Thi Anh} and Poulsen, {Mikael K} and Mikkel Brabrand and M{\o}ller, {Jacob E} and Stefan Posth and Laursen, {Christian B.}",

note = "{\textcopyright} 2024 The Author(s).",

year = "2024",

month = jul,

doi = "10.1016/j.lanepe.2024.100941",

language = "English",

volume = "42",

journal = "The Lancet regional health. Europe",

issn = "2666-7762",

publisher = "Elsevier",

}

Falster, C, Mørkenborg, MD, Thrane, M, Clausen, J, Arvig, M, Brockhattingen, K, Biesenbach, P, Paludan, L, Nielsen, RW, Nhi Huynh, TA, Poulsen, MK, Brabrand, M, Møller, JE, Posth, S & Laursen, CB 2024, 'Utility of ultrasound in the diagnostic work-up of suspected pulmonary embolism: an open-label multicentre randomized controlled trial (the PRIME study)', The Lancet regional health. Europe, vol. 42, 100941. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lanepe.2024.100941

Utility of ultrasound in the diagnostic work-up of suspected pulmonary embolism: an open-label multicentre randomized controlled trial (the PRIME study). / Falster, Casper; Mørkenborg, Mads Damgaard; Thrane, Mikkel et al.
In: The Lancet regional health. Europe, Vol. 42, 100941, 07.2024.

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleResearchpeer-review

TY - JOUR

T1 - Utility of ultrasound in the diagnostic work-up of suspected pulmonary embolism

T2 - an open-label multicentre randomized controlled trial (the PRIME study)

AU - Falster, Casper

AU - Mørkenborg, Mads Damgaard

AU - Thrane, Mikkel

AU - Clausen, Jesper

AU - Arvig, Michael

AU - Brockhattingen, Kristoffer

AU - Biesenbach, Peter

AU - Paludan, Lasse

AU - Nielsen, Rune Wiig

AU - Nhi Huynh, Thi Anh

AU - Poulsen, Mikael K

AU - Brabrand, Mikkel

AU - Møller, Jacob E

AU - Posth, Stefan

AU - Laursen, Christian B.

N1 - © 2024 The Author(s).

PY - 2024/7

Y1 - 2024/7

N2 - BACKGROUND: Prevalence of pulmonary embolism (PE) in patients referred to diagnostic imaging is decreasing, indicating a need for improving patient selection. The aim of this study was to assess reduction in referral to diagnostic imaging by integrating a bespoke ultrasound protocol and describe associated failure rate and adverse events in patients with suspected PE.METHODS: In a randomized open-label multicentre trial spanning June 18, 2021, through Feb 1, 2023, adult patients with suspected PE and 1) a Wells score of 0-6 and elevated age-adjusted D-dimer or 2) Wells score >6 were randomly assigned 1:1 to direct diagnostic imaging (controls) or focused lung, cardiac, and deep venous ultrasound by unblinded investigators. Ultrasound could: 1) dismiss PE if no signs of PE and low clinical suspicion or an alternate diagnosis, 2) confirm PE in case of visible venous thrombus, ≥2 subpleural infarctions, McConnell's, or D-sign, or 3) refer to diagnostic imaging if neither category was fulfilled or a patient with confirmed PE by ultrasound required admission. Primary endpoint was proportion of patients referred to diagnostic imaging. Outcome assessors were not blinded to group assignment. All included participants were included in safety analyses. The trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04882579).FINDINGS: A total of 150 patients were recruited, of whom 73 were randomized to ultrasound. Among 77 controls referred to diagnostic imaging, 26 patients had PE confirmed. In the ultrasound group, 40 patients were referred to diagnostic imaging of whom 20 had PE, reducing referral for diagnostic imaging by 45.2% (95% CI: 34.3-56.6, p < 0.0001). Three further PEs were diagnosed by presence of a DVT. During 3-month follow-up, the number of patients who did not receive anticoagulation but was diagnosed with PE was two (4%; 95% CI: 1.1-13.5) and none (0%; 95% CI: 0.0-7.0) in the ultrasound and control group, respectively.INTERPRETATION: Ultrasound substantially reduced referral to diagnostic imaging in suspected PE. Albeit with an unacceptable failure rate.FUNDING: University of Southern Denmark, Odense University Hospital, Master Carpenter Sophus Jacobsen and wife's foundation, Engineer K. A. Rhode and wife foundation.

AB - BACKGROUND: Prevalence of pulmonary embolism (PE) in patients referred to diagnostic imaging is decreasing, indicating a need for improving patient selection. The aim of this study was to assess reduction in referral to diagnostic imaging by integrating a bespoke ultrasound protocol and describe associated failure rate and adverse events in patients with suspected PE.METHODS: In a randomized open-label multicentre trial spanning June 18, 2021, through Feb 1, 2023, adult patients with suspected PE and 1) a Wells score of 0-6 and elevated age-adjusted D-dimer or 2) Wells score >6 were randomly assigned 1:1 to direct diagnostic imaging (controls) or focused lung, cardiac, and deep venous ultrasound by unblinded investigators. Ultrasound could: 1) dismiss PE if no signs of PE and low clinical suspicion or an alternate diagnosis, 2) confirm PE in case of visible venous thrombus, ≥2 subpleural infarctions, McConnell's, or D-sign, or 3) refer to diagnostic imaging if neither category was fulfilled or a patient with confirmed PE by ultrasound required admission. Primary endpoint was proportion of patients referred to diagnostic imaging. Outcome assessors were not blinded to group assignment. All included participants were included in safety analyses. The trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04882579).FINDINGS: A total of 150 patients were recruited, of whom 73 were randomized to ultrasound. Among 77 controls referred to diagnostic imaging, 26 patients had PE confirmed. In the ultrasound group, 40 patients were referred to diagnostic imaging of whom 20 had PE, reducing referral for diagnostic imaging by 45.2% (95% CI: 34.3-56.6, p < 0.0001). Three further PEs were diagnosed by presence of a DVT. During 3-month follow-up, the number of patients who did not receive anticoagulation but was diagnosed with PE was two (4%; 95% CI: 1.1-13.5) and none (0%; 95% CI: 0.0-7.0) in the ultrasound and control group, respectively.INTERPRETATION: Ultrasound substantially reduced referral to diagnostic imaging in suspected PE. Albeit with an unacceptable failure rate.FUNDING: University of Southern Denmark, Odense University Hospital, Master Carpenter Sophus Jacobsen and wife's foundation, Engineer K. A. Rhode and wife foundation.

U2 - 10.1016/j.lanepe.2024.100941

DO - 10.1016/j.lanepe.2024.100941

M3 - Article

C2 - 39070742

SN - 2666-7762

VL - 42

JO - The Lancet regional health. Europe

JF - The Lancet regional health. Europe

M1 - 100941

ER -

Falster C, Mørkenborg MD, Thrane M, Clausen J, Arvig M, Brockhattingen K et al. Utility of ultrasound in the diagnostic work-up of suspected pulmonary embolism: an open-label multicentre randomized controlled trial (the PRIME study). The Lancet regional health. Europe. 2024 Jul;42:100941. doi: 10.1016/j.lanepe.2024.100941

Utility of ultrasound in the diagnostic work-up of suspected pulmonary embolism: an open-label multicentre randomized controlled trial (the PRIME study) (2024)

FAQs

What is the role of ultrasound in pulmonary embolism? ›

Ultrasound examination of both lungs and pleura may show pulmonary consolidation caused by peripheral PE, which typically shows as a wedge-shape or round-shape hypo-echo subpleural image, sometimes accompanied with local pleural effusion.

What is the best diagnostic study for pulmonary embolism? ›

CT pulmonary angiography — also called a CT pulmonary embolism study — creates 3D images that can find changes such as a pulmonary embolism within the arteries in your lungs. In some cases, contrast material is given through a vein in the hand or arm during the CT scan to outline the pulmonary arteries.

What diagnostic procedure is required to make a definitive diagnosis of pulmonary embolism? ›

CTPA or a computed tomographic angiography is a special type of X-ray that is the most common test used to diagnose PE because it uses contrast to analyze blood vessels. Pulmonary V/Q scan to show which parts of your lungs are getting airflow and blood flow.

What is the utility of echocardiography in pulmonary embolism? ›

Echocardiography may directly visualize embolized thrombi (right heart chambers or central pulmonary arteries) or show right heart hemodynamic changes that indirectly suggest pulmonary embolism.

What is a point of care ultrasound for PE? ›

Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is an underutilized, non-invasive technique that aids in the early diagnosis of PE and can safely reduce the radiation from CTPA in cases where contraindication exists. POCUS has been shown to have a high sensitivity and specificity for early diagnosis of PE.

Can ultrasound detect blood clot in lungs? ›

Conclusion: CUS can improve diagnosis of pulmonary embolism. Sonography also reveals small infarcts which remain undetected with other imaging procedure such as helical CT.

What is the gold standard for diagnosing pulmonary embolism? ›

Pulmonary angiography (PA) is the gold per year and an incidence of 0.5 to 1 per 1000. [1,2] Studies standard diagnostic test, but this technique is invasive, in the Indian subcontinent show a low incidence of expensive, not readily available and labor intensive.

What is the imaging of choice for pulmonary embolism? ›

Abstract: Imaging plays an important role in the evaluation and management of acute pulmonary embolism (PE). Computed tomography (CT) pulmonary angiography (CTPA) is the current standard of care and provides accurate diagnosis with rapid turnaround time.

Which diagnostic test most specifically confirms the presence of a pulmonary embolism? ›

D-dimer. This blood test measures a substance that is released when a blood clot breaks up. D-dimer levels are usually high in people with pulmonary embolism.

What is the life expectancy of a person with a pulmonary embolism? ›

Doctors use a pulmonary embolism severity scale to assess the likelihood or a person with a PE surviving 30 days or longer. A person who scores 65 or less on the scale has a 1–6% chance of dying within 30 days, but a person who scores 125 or more has a 10.0–24.5% chance of dying within 30 days.

Can you have a pulmonary embolism for months? ›

Will a pulmonary embolism go away? It can take months or years for a pulmonary embolism to go away completely.

Can you have a pulmonary embolism while on blood thinners? ›

Can You Have a Pulmonary Embolism While on Blood Thinners? While not impossible, it's unlikely to have a pulmonary embolism while taking blood thinner medications. Patients with other health conditions, like cancer or a clotting disorder, are at the highest risk for a pulmonary embolism while taking anticoagulation.

What is the role of thoracic ultrasonography in the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism? ›

Diagnosis of PE was suggested if at least one typical pleural-based/subpleural wedge-shaped or round hypoechoic lesion with or without pleural effusion was reported by TUS. Presence of pure pleural effusion or normal sonographic findings were accepted as negative TUS for PE.

Do all PE patients need an echo? ›

Most patients admitted with pulmonary embolism (PE) do not need transthoracic echocardiography (TTE); it should be performed in hemodynamically unstable patients, as well as in hemodynamically stable patients with specific elevated cardiac biomarkers and imaging features.

Will an echo show a pulmonary embolism? ›

Echocardiography can be useful for ruling-in a Pulmonary embolism, but should not be the main test for ruling out a pulmonary embolism. Echo findings include McConnell's Sign, enlarged RV, IVS flattening and the 60/60 sign.

What is the role of ultrasound in DVT? ›

Duplex ultrasound successfully identifies 95 percent of deep vein thromboses that occur in the large veins above the knee.

Is ultrasound good for blood clots? ›

Yes, ultrasounds 一 specifically a venous ultrasound 一 is the gold standard imaging test for diagnosing acute deep venous thrombosis (DVT), according to research published in the journal Circulation.

What is a Doppler ultrasound for pulmonary embolism? ›

This type of Doppler examination provides a 2-dimensional (2-D) image of the arteries so that the structure of the arteries and location of an occlusion can be determined, as well as the degree of blood flow.

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