ASSESSING PULMONARY ARTERY CT CHANGES IN ATHLETES BEFORE AND AFTER TREATMENT FOR PULMONARY EMBOLISM USING UROKINASE, LOW MOLECULAR HEPARIN, AND WARFARIN

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the clinical value of CT chest scans in assessing the efficacy of treatment with urokinase, low molecular weight heparin, and warfarin on pulmonary embolism in athletes, focusing on changes in the pulmonary arteries indicative of improved pulmonary function essential for physical performance. Methods: This study involved ninety-eight patients diagnosed with pulmonary embolism, treated at our hospital from May 2020 to March 2023. All patients received a regimen of urokinase, low-molecular-weight heparin, and warfarin, with CT chest scans performed before treatment and after two weeks to evaluate the pulmonary arteries. The severity of pulmonary embolism and CT indices were analyzed, using Spearman correlation analysis to determine the relationship between clinical outcomes and changes in CT imaging. Results: Post-treatment CT scans showed a significant reduction in the number of embolic vessel branches, size of emboli, and pulmonary artery diameter (P<0.05), indicating effective resolution of embolisms. The proportion of patients showing no or mild embolism increased post-treatment, while moderate to severe cases decreased (P<0.05). Furthermore, the CT indices varied significantly with the clinical efficacy, with a negative correlation observed between the clinical outcomes and the severity of embolism depicted in CT imaging (r<0, P<0.05). Conclusion: The combination of urokinase, low molecular weight heparin, and warfarin is effective in treating pulmonary embolism, significantly enhancing vascular health as evidenced by CT imaging. For athletes, this treatment protocol facilitates a quicker and safer return to sports by effectively managing and resolving pulmonary embolisms, ensuring minimal impact on lung function. The CT chest scan serves as a crucial tool in objectively assessing treatment efficacy and guiding recovery strategies in sports medicine, supporting tailored interventions that address the unique demands of athletic performance post-pulmonary embolism.