Cardiology & Vascular Research

Cardiology & Vascular Research

Open Access
ISSN: 2639-8486
Research Article

Evaluation of the Years Algorithm for the Diagnosis of Pulmonary Embolism at the University Hospital Centre in Lome (Togo)

Authors: Pessinaba S, Kpelafia MI, Afassinou M, Donmani D, Yayehd K, Togbossi E, Pio M, Baragou S, Damorou F.

DOI: 10.33425/2639-8486.1218


Abstract

Introduction: Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a medical emergency whose diagnosis relies on costly and invasive paraclinical tools, particularly chest CT angiography. The YEARS algorithm combines simple clinical criteria and D-dimer testing to limit unnecessary examinations.

Objective: To evaluate the performance of the YEARS algorithm at the Lomé University Hospital Campus and determine its ability to reduce requests for CT angiography.

Methods: Retrospective cross-sectional study (2015-2021) including patients hospitalised for suspected PE with D-dimers and CT angiography available. Diagnostic performance indices (sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV) calculated according to standard formulas.

Results: 238 patients included (mean age 56.5 ±16.2 years; male-to-female ratio =0.31). PE confirmed in 126 patients (52.9%). The YEARS algorithm would have ruled out PE in 26 patients (23.2%) with low clinical probability and D-dimers <1000 ng/mL. Sensitivity: 90.9%, NPV: 76.4%. With local prevalence (3.1%), adjusted NPV: 99%. Eight patients (3.4%) would have been false negatives.

Conclusion: The YEARS algorithm is a reliable and effective tool for limiting unnecessary CT angiograms in suspected PE cases at the Lomé University Hospital Campus.

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Citation: Pessinaba S, Kpelafia MI, Afassinou M, et al. Evaluation of the Years Algorithm for the Diagnosis of Pulmonary Embolism at the University Hospital Centre in Lome (Togo). Cardiol Vasc Res. 2025; 9(6). DOI: 10.33425/2639-8486.1218
Editor-in-Chief
Aris Lacis
Aris Lacis
Head of the Latvian State Cardiology Centre for Children | Head of the Clinic for Children Cardiology Latvia

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