Quantitative differential pulmonary perfusion, including imaging when performed
CPT4 code
Name of the Procedure:
Quantitative differential pulmonary perfusion (QDPP)
Summary
Quantitative differential pulmonary perfusion is a medical imaging procedure that measures the blood flow to different parts of the lungs. This helps doctors understand how well each portion of the lung is receiving blood and is often used to diagnose or evaluate lung and heart conditions.
Purpose
This procedure helps assess the distribution of blood flow in the lungs. It's often used to detect and evaluate conditions such as pulmonary embolism, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or other lung diseases. The goal is to determine if there is uneven blood flow, which can indicate an underlying problem, and to guide treatment decisions.
Indications
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Suspected pulmonary embolism
- Evaluation of lung function before surgery
- Monitoring of known lung diseases
Preparation
- Patients may be instructed to fast for a few hours before the procedure.
- Medication adjustments may be necessary; patients should consult their doctor.
- A recent chest X-ray or CT scan may be required.
Procedure Description
- The patient lies down, and a small intravenous (IV) line is inserted into a vein.
- A specialized contrast dye is injected through the IV line to highlight blood flow in the lungs.
- Imaging equipment, such as a gamma camera or CT scanner, captures detailed images of lung perfusion.
- These images are analyzed to measure and compare blood flow in different lung regions.
- The patient may need to change positions to ensure comprehensive imaging.
Duration
The procedure typically takes 30 to 60 minutes.
Setting
The procedure is usually performed in a hospital's radiology or nuclear medicine department.
Personnel
- Radiologist or nuclear medicine specialist
- Radiologic technologist
- Nurse
Risks and Complications
- Mild discomfort during IV insertion
- Allergic reaction to contrast dye (rare)
- Slight risk of infection at the IV site
Benefits
- Accurate assessment of lung perfusion
- Helps in diagnosing and managing lung conditions
- Provides critical information for surgical planning
Recovery
- Most patients can resume normal activities immediately after the procedure.
- Drink plenty of fluids to help flush out the contrast dye.
- Follow-up appointments may be scheduled to review results and plan further treatment.
Alternatives
- Ventilation-perfusion (V/Q) scan: Another imaging test to evaluate lung function.
- Pulmonary angiography: Invasive test providing detailed images of lung vessels.
- CT pulmonary angiography: Non-invasive, detailed images using CT scanning.
Each alternative has its own pros and cons in terms of detail, risk, and patient comfort.
Patient Experience
During the procedure, patients might feel a cool sensation from the IV contrast dye. Post-procedure, they can expect minimal discomfort and should follow instructions to stay hydrated. Pain management and comfort measures are typically not necessary due to the non-invasive nature of the procedure.