EANM guidelines for ventilation/perfusion scintigraphy

As emphasized in Part 1 of these guidelines, the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism (PE) is confirmed or refuted using ventilation/perfusion scintigraphy (V/PSCAN) or multidetector computed tomography of the pulmonary arteries (MDCT). To reduce the costs, the risks associated with false-negative and false-positive diagnoses, and unnecessary radiation exposure, preimaging assessment of clinical probability is recommended. Diagnostic accuracy is approximately equal for MDCT and planar V/PSCAN and better for tomography (V/PSPECT). V/PSPECT is feasible in about 99% of patients, while MDCT is often contraindicated. As MDCT is more readily available, access to both techniques is vital for the diagnosis of PE. V/PSPECT gives an effective radiation dose of 1.2–2 mSv. For V/PSPECT, the effective dose is about 35–40% and the absorbed dose to the female breast 4% of the dose from MDCT performed with a dose-saving protocol. V/PSPECT is recommended as a first-line procedure in patients with suspected PE. It is particularly favoured in young patients, especially females, during pregnancy, and for follow-up and research.