Better look at cancer CT can prevent clots

GALWAY, Ireland, Aug. 15 (UPI) -- Radiologists can diagnose venous thromboembolic disease in cancer patients earlier by looking more carefully at CT scans, say researchers in Ireland.

Lead author Dr. Carmel Cronin of University College Hospital in Galway, Ireland, says venous thromboembolic disease can be fatal if left untreated, but CT scans of the thorax, abdomen and pelvis are regularly done to determine the extent or stage of the cancer -- and a more careful look could result in fewer fatal blood clots.

"We'd noticed a number of clinically unsuspected deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary emboli on staging CT thorax, abdomen and pelvis examinations which goes unnoticed," said Cronin. "When we do a CT to stage the cancer we can see both the pulmonary arterial system and the pelvic and lower extremity venous system."

The study of 736 patients ages 20 to 79 -- published in the American Journal of Roentgenology -- found 23 patients had unsuspected iliofemoral DVT and four had common iliac vein involvement. The study showed 13 patients had an unsuspected pulmonary embolism.