Incidence of pulmonary embolism in females aged 15–25 years in relation to oral contraception use (Results of a five-year study)

Overview

Aim:
The aim of the present study was to analyse patients, aged 15–25 years, who were examined with a view of pulmonary embolism (PE) suspicion in relation to oral contraception (OC) use in our department during a five-year period (2003-2008).

Material and methods:
The patient sample includes 134 females aged 15–25 (average 21 years) who were indicated to lung perfusion scintigraphy. Radionuclide phlebography was done in 25 girls with suspicion of thrombosis of lower limb deep venous system (DVS). Lung scintigraphy was performed using a planar/SPECT camera in 4/8 projections following 150 MBq 99mTc -MAA i.v. application. Radionuclide phlebography was performed using a 2-detector camera registering calf DVS blockage data on the dynamic study and followed by whole body lower limb images with and without leg tourniquets. For analytical purposes, the patients were divided into 3 groups:

group I – suspect PE without any additional diagnosis;

group II – suspect PE as a complication of a surgery or trauma;

group III – others.

Results:



1) Signs of PE were found in 23/116 patients in group I, 5/15 patients in group II, and 1/3 patients in group III.

2) DVS blockage of lower limbs was detected in 5/15 patients in group I, in 3/4 patients in group II and no radionuclide phlebography was indicated in group III.

3) Of the 89/134 (66%) patients who were using OC, 28 % had PE.

4) Among the 45 females not using OC, PE was detected in 4 patients (9 %).

5) Radionuclide phlebography was indicated in 24 patients using OC, 5 of whom were found to have DVS blockage of lower limbs.

Conclusion:
In our group of patients, who were indicated to lung scintigraphy, the majority were using OC, 28 % of whom were diagnosed with PE on scintigraphy, compared to those not using OC with only 9 % of PE. Risk of venous thromboembolism related to the use of OC is well known. Our study indicates that it needs to be considered as a cause of PE even among very young females.

Key words:
venous thromboembolism, lung perfusion scintigraphy, radionuclide phlebography, oral contraception, young age.