PB1023 - Seasonal variations regarding incidence of CTPA confirmed pulmonary embolism in Belfast, N Ireland, from 2014 to 2022.

Background: Studies1,2 have reported seasonal variations regarding the incidence of pulmonary embolism (PE). The aim of this study was to identify differences in seasonal patterns regarding the diagnoses of PE patients via CTPA in the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust.

Aims: We aim to review whether any seasonal pattern is evident as has previously been published in relation to similar cohort in Germany and Italy.
1. Keller K, Hobohm L, Münzel T, et al. Sex-specific and age-related seasonal variations regarding incidence and in-hospital mortality of pulmonary embolism in Germany. ERJ Open Res 2020; 6: 00181-2020 [https://doi.org/10.1183/23120541.00181-2020].
2. Gallerani M, Boari B, Smolensky MH, Salmi R, Fabbri D, Contato E, Manfredini R. Seasonal variation in occurrence of pulmonary embolism: analysis of the database of the Emilia-Romagna region, Italy. Chronobiol Int. 2007;24(1):143-60. doi: 10.1080/07420520601139755

Methods: We collated all CTPAs performed in the Trust over the eight-year period, noting those positive. Initially analyzed by weekly variations before collating them by seasons. We analyzed the impact of seasons on incidence of PE patients in Belfast, diagnosed using CTPA, (2014–2022).

Results: The Belfast cohort comprised a total of 24 353 CTPAs performed over the eight-year period with 2719 (13% positive rate). Seasonal variations in incidence was of significance as higher in winter (December to January) than in summer (June to August).

Conclusion(s): Incidence of PE patients showed a significant seasonal variation as per previous published regional data e.g. Germany and Italy. Although it has to be hypothesized that the seasonal variation of PE is multifactorially dependent.