NT-proBNP: a Useful Tool for the Detection of Acute Pulmonary Artery Embolism in Post-surgical Patients
NT-proBNP: a Useful Tool for the Detection of Acute Pulmonary Artery Embolism in Post-surgical Patients
In patients with suspected APE (Acute Pulmonary Embolism) referred to the intensive care unit (ICU)after major surgery, serum NT-proBNP (N-terminal proBNP), Troponin-I and D-dimers were measured according to the standard hospital protocol. To definitively confirm or exclude APE, all patients underwent an angiographic CT-scan of the thorax.
In patients with suspected APE referred to the intensive care unit after major surgery, serum NT-proBNP, Troponin-I and D-dimers were measured according to the standard hospital protocol. Blood samples were obtained within one hour after the onset of clinical symptoms.
Definitive confirmation or exclusion of APE was performed with an angiographic CT-scan of the thorax.
Inclusion Criteria:
all patients referred to the ICU with suspected APE
Exclusion Criteria:
none