Magnetic Resonance Imaging Combined With Venous Ultrasonography of the Legs for Pulmonary Embolism

Diagnostic Performances of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Combined With Venous Ultrasonography of the Legs for Pulmonary Embolism

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) represents a promising technique but can not be used as an alternative test to multidetector CT in patients with suspicion of pulmonary embolism (PE) due to its low sensitivity and high proportion of inconclusive MRI. The purpose of this study is to evaluate diagnostic performances of MRI combined with venous ultrasonography of the legs in patients with suspicion of PE.

Inclusion criteria :

• age > or = 18 years
• clinical suspicion of PE
• Affiliate (e) to a social security
• provide written informed consent

Exclusion criteria :

• Unstable patient clinically in shock on arrival at the emergency department
• Current pregnancy
• Life expectancy less than 3 months (eg terminal cancer)
• Follow up at 3 months impossible
• Anticoagulation curative> 48 hours prior to inclusion
• Cons-indication to spiral chest CT: allergy to contrast or creatinine clearance below 30 ml / min calculated by the Cockcroft
• Cons-indication to MRI claustrophobia, presence of intraocular metallic implant or a pacemaker, an allergy to gadolinium, morbid obesity (weight> 130 kg, anteroposterior> 60 cm diameter)