The value of clinical application of electron beam computed tomography for diagnosis and surgical treatment of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension

Objective:To evaluate the clinical value of electron beam computed tomography(EBCT)in diagnosis and surgical treatment of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension.Methods:From December 2003 to May 2006,eight patients with chronic pulmonary thromboembolism accept EBCT examination before and after surgical pulmonary thromboendarterectomy(PTE).Clinical sign and features of EBCT imaging were analyzed.Results:Before operation,in 8 patients EBCT study showed 7 vessels of pulmonary artery trunk with mural filling defect,28 vessels of lobar and segmental artery with partial filling defect,6 vessels with total occlusion,2 patients with "mosaic sign" in lung window.After operation(1~2 weeks later),EBCT study showed total occlusion in 6 patients,mural filling defect of 7 vessels and partial filling defect of 22 vessels all disappeared.Conclusion:EBCT is an effective method in diagnosis and treatment of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension.It can play a significant role in treating and follow-up of PTE.