incidental pulmonary embolism in cancer patients: a single-institution analysis in panama

Introduction: incidental pulmonary embolisms (ipe) are common in cancer patients. studies addressing ipe in oncology are increasing; however, few of these investigations have been conducted in a latin-american population. this study aims to describe the incidence and characteristics of ipe in cancer patients in a comprehensive cancer center from panama. methods: a single-center, retrospective study was conducted at the national institute of oncology during a period of 7 months. every contrast-enhanced ct scan was reviewed. electronic records and ct reports were reviewed for demographic, clinical, and radiological information. results: we reported 46 ipes in 4065 scans (incidence=1.13%). the mean±sd age was 6413± years. most patients were female (63.0%) and were outpatients (73.9%) when the ct scan was performed. central ipes were found in thirty-one patients (67.4%). thirty patients were receiving chemotherapy (54.3%) or hormone therapy (10.9%); two-thirds had metastatic disease. the most frequently reported tumors were gastrointestinal, breast, and gynecologic cancers. more than 70% were reported as asymptomatic, and 78% were initially managed with anticoagulation. conclusions: our study reported a low incidence of ipe in oncologic patients (1.13%) which is consistent with what has been observed in previous studies (0.34%-7.3%). the true incidence is still uncertain, and it might be underestimated; especially the rate of subsegmental embolism.