Condition Specific Radiology: Pulmonary Embolism

OVERVIEW

This page is dedicated to covering how the condition pulmonary embolism will appear on different types of radiological imaging studies. 

BASIC CHARACTERISTICS

 

CHEST X-RAY

A Chest X-ray is not the most sensitive study for detecting a pulmonary embolism however SOMETIMES signs of a pulmonary embolism can be seen on this study:

 

CT PULMONARY ANGIOGRAPHY

A CT pulmonary angiography is the recommended choice of study for a patient with a suspected pulmonary embolism. Here is what can be detected on this study:

  • Filling defects in segments of the lung
  • Visualized thrombus in the pulmonary vessels: the thrombus will appear as a dark spot on the scan (surrounded by bright contrast)
NUCLEAR MEDICINE V/Q SCAN

A V/Q scan is only used to evaluate for pulmonary embolism in patients who have contraindications to IV contrast. Here is what can be observed on this study. 

 

Page Updated: 03.01.2017