ABSTRACT

This study aims to assess effect of pulmonary embolism (PE) on clinical and laboratory parameters of patients hospitalized for acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD). Risk factors for PE development were also evaluated.

In this retrospective study, patients who were hospitalized for AECOPD and underwent computed tomographic pulmonary angiography scan (CTPA) between 2009 and 2011 were included. Patients with PE were evaluated separately as those diagnosed at initial examination and those suspected during exacerbation therapy since they had inadequate response. Binary logistic regression analysis was used in order to determine risk factors on PE development.

The study consisted of 36 patients, 13 patients (36.1%) had PE. FEV1 and FEV1/FVC values were higher in PE group (53.7% vs 41.4%; 62.3% vs 52% respectively; p<0.05). There was no difference between D-dimer levels of PE and non-PE patients. Risk of PE development did not differ with analyzed variables. Those diagnosed at initial examination had significantly less number of exacerbations in the last one year than those diagnosed during therapy (1.1 vs 3.2; p<0.05).

PE should always be considered in AECOPD etiology, particularly in patients with frequent exacerbation history and D-dimer levels may be misleading.