A Survey of Physicians’ Opinions About the Treatment of Subsegmental Pulmonary Embolism Publisher



Parsirad M¹ ; Rahimi B² ; Peiman S³ ; Zebardast J⁴ Show Affiliations
Source: Canadian Journal of Respiratory Therapy Published:2022

Abstract

Introduction: The aim of this study was to survey the attitudes of internists, cardiologists, and pulmonologists regarding treatment or no treatment of isolated subsegmental pulmonary embolism (ISSPE) with anticoagulant drugs. Methods: Qualified physicians were asked to select their management options from a questionnaire that included a patient scenario with subsegmental pulmonary embolism (SSPE) and negative past medical history of thromboembolism. Results: A total of 113 physicians responded to the survey. Of these, 8.8% preferred not to treat patients without further evaluation; 15% decided not to treat, but follow-up the patient with a serial lower-limb colour Doppler ultrasonography; 1.7% preferred anticoagulant treatment only during hospitalization and follow-up without medication; 5% preferred anticoagulant treatment for less than 3 months; and 34.5% chose a 3–6-month treatment with anticoagulation. Furthermore, 24% of physicians opted for anticoagulant treatment for more than 6 months, and 9.7% left the decision up to the patient. Opting not to treat was an option selected by more board-certified faculty members specialized in cardiology, internal medicine, and pulmonology compared with residents (p = 0.038). Willingness to provide anticoagulant therapy in the internal medicine, cardiology and pulmonology groups was 56.6%, 37.3% and 6%, respectively (p = 0.007). Conclusion: The majority of physicians surveyed prefer anticoagulant therapy in patients with SSPE. © 2022 Canadian Society of Respiratory Therapists. All rights reserved.