[Asymptomatic pulmonary embolism and venous thrombosis of the lower limbs. Study with spiral x-ray computed tomography].

AIM: Spiral Computed Tomography (CT) allows diagnosis and follow-up in pulmonary embolism (PE). MATERIAL AND METHOD: We studied prospectively with spiral CT 21 patients to evaluate the frequency and the extent of asymptomatic PE in the patients with lower limbs venous thrombosis and no pulmonary symptomatology. RESULTS: We observed a asymptomatic PE in 8/21 cases (34%). Extensive pulmonary thrombosis could be observed despite normal presentation. There was no association between the localization of PE topography and, the extent of the lower limb venous thrombosis extent. CONCLUSION: This study shows about the capability for CT to evaluate PE severity and clinical underestimation PE occurrence.