Could Any Specific Pulmonary Function Test Potentially Indicate (not Diagnose) A Pulmonary Embolism?

Posted on Wed, 26 Aug 2020

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 26 Aug 2020 Answered on

24 hours ago Last reviewed on

Question : Hi, I’m a 25year old woman with a heart arrythmia (a type of tachycardia ex:215bpm, captured on a pulse oximeter but not yet on an ecg, the cardiologist thinks it could be one of the following: ventricular tachycardia, torsades, rapid afib, wpwsyndrome, svt, so some arrythmia but right now we’re not sure which one). I think I have a pulmonary embolism (not going to explain) I’m supposed to get pulmonary function testing, so I have two questions: could any specific pulmonary function test be dangerous with my arrythmia, pulmonary embolism? Follow up question: could any specifc pulmonary function test potentially indicate (not disgnose) a pulmonary embolism? An article suggests diffusing capacity could

Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka (48 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
I would explain as follows:

Detailed Answer:
Hello!

Welcome to Ask a Doctor service!

I understand your concern and would explain that pulmonary function tests are not dangerous in patients suffering from cardiac arrhythmia or pulse embolism.
Ventilation- perfusion lung CT scan would be the best test to investigate for pulmonary embolism.

I don't think that other pulmonary function tests are accurate for this diagnosis.

Regarding cardiac arrhythmia, I would recommend performing a prolonged ( 48hours or one week) ambulatory ECG monitoring ( Holter) in order to be able to catch any these episodes of cardiac arrhythmia and determine their nature.

If this doesn't help ( in case of very rare episodes), a loop recorder would be a better test to help register those episodes.

I would also recommend performing thyroid hormone levels for possible thyroid gland dysfunction, complete blood count for anemia and blood electrolytes for possible imbalances.

You should discuss with your doctor on the above tests.

I remain at your disposal for any further questions whenever you need!

Kind regards,

Dr.Ilir Sharka, Cardiologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Ilir Sharka (10 minutes later)

I appreciate your reply I agree I think I should get a VQ scan (does that have any risks?) and are you sure that pulmonary function tests aren’t dangerous for arrythmias (everywhere I’ve read says contradictions for pulmonary test are unstable hesrt conditions and pulmonsry embolism?)

Follow up: Dr. Ilir Sharka (1 minute later)

Also I’ve read diffusing capacity test can sometimes indicate oulmonary embolism, also would a ct scan with contrast be risky with an arrythmia? I resd that it can cause abnormal heart rythm, ect

Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka (10 hours later)

Brief Answer:
My opinion as follows:

Detailed Answer:
Hello again!

If pulmonary embolism is not acute, there is no reason to worry about these tests as there is no risk of cardiac arrhythmia.

As long as you don't have shortness of breath, chest pain, cough or bleeding sputum, there is no reason to think about acute pulmonary embolism.

The ventilation- perfusion lung CT scan is quite safe in your clinical situation.

So, it is safe for you to perform any of these tests.

Hope you will find this information helpful!

Let me know in case of further uncertainties!

Wishing all the best,

Dr.Iliri

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Ilir Sharka (5 hours later)

Hi

I have shortness of breath I think is because of a pulmonary embolism. How can I convince the doctor to order a vq scan? I’ve already had tests to rule out other causes of shortness of breath like chest x ray to rule ou oneumonia, ect the doctor said she think its anxiety but my therapist thinks its not anxiety cause I’ve never had shortness of breath before, it only started after birth control, it doesnt happen only during arrythmia episodes, its worse with exercise and activity,how can I convince the doctor to order vq scan?

Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
My answer as follows:

Detailed Answer:
Hello again!

Thank you for the additional information!

The shortness of breath during physical exertion could be related to a lung disorder (asthma or COPD).

For this reason the first step to follow would be performing pulmonary function tests.

If this test results normal, the next step to follow would be a ventilation perfusion pulmonary CT scan, in order to investigate for chronic pulmonary embolism.

You can print this answer and show it to your doctor to discuss with him on the possible tests to consider.

Hope you will find this answer helpful!

If you have any other questions, please don't hesitate to ask me again!

Wishing good health,

Dr. Iliri

Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar