Pulmonary Embolism as Post-COVID-19 Sequelae: Role of Lung Perfusion Scintigraphy

Indian J Nucl Med. 2021 Oct-Dec;36(4):455-456. doi: 10.4103/ijnm.ijnm_45_21. Epub 2021 Dec 15.

Abstract

We present the case of a 41-year-old male, suspected to have pulmonary thromboembolism with a history of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection 1 month ago. He presented with dyspnea and dry cough for 2 weeks. D-dimer was >776.70 mcg/L. Lung perfusion scan with Tc-99m macroaggregated albumin revealed multiple bilateral segmental perfusion defects with no mass lesion/consolidation on high-resolution computed tomography (CT) of lungs suggestive of pulmonary embolism (PE) present according to perfusion only modified PIOPED II criteria. CT pulmonary angiogram showed a large filling defect in the right pulmonary artery. The case emphasizes the prolonged sequelae following COVID-19 after recovery from the acute phase of the illness. Lung perfusion scintigraphy can play an important role in the screening of such patients who may be at risk for developing PE as post-COVID-19 sequelae.

Keywords: Coronavirus disease 2019; lung perfusion scintigraphy; pulmonary embolism.