Name 3 advantages and 2 disadvantage for CTPA in the diagnosis of PE?

Score
Advantages
Disadvantages
CTPA
  • Readily available around the clock in most centres1
  • Excellent accuracy1
  • Strong validation in prospective management outcome studies1
  • Low rate of inconclusive results (3–5%)1
  • May provide alternative diagnosis if PE excluded1
  • Short acquisition time1
  • Can evaluate IVC and lower extremity thrombi when used in conjunction with venography1
  • Radiation exposure, particularly to young female breast tissue 1
  • Exposure to iodine contrast 1
  • Tendency to overuse because of easy accessibility 1
  • Clinical relevance of CTPA diagnosis of subsegmental PE unknown 1