Computed tomography pulmonary angiography in around-the-clock clinical care with individualised scan protocols: a 5-year observational study on incidence and causes of repeat scanning

Question CT pulmonary angiography (CTPA) is subject to relatively high repeat-scanning rates, but it is not known how state-of-the-art CTPA and individualised protocols perform in clinical practice today. Findings During 5 years of clinical practice the repeat rate was 3%; retrospective expert image-evaluation suggests a repeat rate as low as 1.2% may be possible. Clinical relevance Repeat- and single-scan groups significantly differed in patient characteristics, and reasons for repeat scanning were mostly patient-related. Further tailoring protocols to (younger, female) patients may be the best focus to help reduce CTPA-repeats, improve safety, and reduce logistic burden.