Fernando García-Prieto, Respirology Department, Getafe University Hospital, Getafe, Spain
Gonzalo Díaz-Ibero, Respirology Department, Getafe University Hospital, Getafe, Spain
Zully A. Vásquez-Gambasica, Respirology Department, Getafe University Hospital, Getafe, Spain
Joaquín Costa-Subias, Respirology Department, Getafe University Hospital, Getafe, Spain
Eva Aguilar-Rivilla, Respirology Department, Getafe University Hospital, Getafe, Spain
Ma. Teresa Río-Ramírez, Respirology Department, Getafe University Hospital, Getafe, Spain

Objetive: To describe the incidence and features of incidental pulmonary embolism (IPE) and survival of all patients with IPE from January 2012 to December 2014. Rationale: The prevalence of IPE accounts for 1–10% of all pulmonary embolisms (PE). Methods: All radiological reports of computed tomography with intravenous contrast in which the IPE was not suspected were evaluated. The numerical data are expressed by mean and standard deviation (SD); Survival by the Kaplan–Meier analysis and the Log Rank test. Results: We reviewed 7508 reports, detecting 44 patients with IPE (0.6%). Men 64%, age 68 years, pack-year 25, oncological disease 73%, chemotherapy last month before IPE 82%. The predominant histological strain was adenocarcinoma (60%) and epidermoid (20%). The origin of the most common tumor was bronchogenic (27%) and colorectal (14%). The distribution according to the PESI index was mainly I (71%) and II (21%). They received anticoagulation 54%. The location of thrombi was bilateral in 32%. Around 70% were located in main and lobar arteries. Overall survival at one year was more than 70%, being higher in anticoagulated patients (log rank <0.05). Conclusions: The incidence of IPE is low, predominantly in oncological patients. Adenocarcinoma is the predominant strain. Most of them have a low severity index. Survival is higher in anticoagulated patients and higher than in the case of published non-incidental PE.

Keywords: Incidental pulmonary embolism. Cancer. Anticoagulation.