ANN ARBOR, Mich., Oct. 19 (UPI) -- Patients with severe cases of H1N1 flu are at risk for developing severe complications such as blood clots in the lungs, U.S. researchers say.
Lead author Dr. Prachi P. Agarwal, assistant professor of radiology at the University of Michigan Medical School, says a blood clot in the lung occurs when one or more arteries in the lungs become blocked, producing a life-threatening condition.
"The high incidence of pulmonary embolism is important. Radiologists have to be aware to look closely for the risks of pulmonary embolism in severely sick patients," Agarwal said in a statement.
"With the upcoming annual influenza season in the United States, knowledge of the radiologic features of H1N1 is important, as well as the virus's potential complications. The majority of patients with H1N1 that undergo chest X-rays have normal radiographs. CT scans proved valuable in identifying those patients at risk of developing more serious complications as a possible result of the H1N1 virus."
Agarwal and colleague Dr. Ella Kazerooni said the study involved 66 patients diagnosed with the H1N1 flu, of which 14 required intensive care unit admission.
All 66 patients underwent chest X-rays for the detection of H1N1 abnormalities. Pulmonary emboli were seen in CT scans of five of the 14 intensive care unit patients.
