An AI software was introduced in July 2023 at outpatient imaging centers to flag incidental pulmonary embolism (iPE). From July 2023 to March 2024, 11,700 outpatient CT chest and abdomen scans were analyzed. When AI flags a suspected positive case, the radiology technician informs the ARNP, and the patient is moved to a nursing waiting area. The ARNP then consults the radiology clinical coordinator, who confirms the finding with the attending radiologist. If confirmed, the clinical coordinator instructs the ARNP to transfer the patient to the emergency department (ED).
The AI software flagged 80 confirmed iPEs, with an average patient age of 62.7 years (60% male, 94% with cancer history). AI-flagged cases had a median turnaround of 66.4 minutes, an 82.7% (317.2 minute) reduction compared to negatives (P<0.05). Segmental iPEs comprised 35%, and 29% of patients were sent to the ED, where 78% were hospitalized (avg. stay: 4.4 days) and 83% received anticoagulation. One patient underwent thrombectomy, and the Pulmonary Embolism Response Team (PERT) was activated in four cases.
This study demonstrates that an AI-guided triage system can significantly reduce turnaround time for iPE detection, enabling faster ED referrals and timely treatment. AI integration improves patient care, optimizes resource use and warrants further research to assess long-term outcomes.
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