Challenges, controversies, and hot topics in pulmonary embolism imaging

AJR Am J Roentgenol. 2011 Mar;196(3):497-515. doi: 10.2214/AJR.10.5830.

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this article is to discuss the diagnostic role of pulmonary CT angiography (CTA) in the workup of pulmonary embolism (PE), including specific populations, and issues such as pulmonary CTA combined with indirect CT venography; radiation dose considerations; the management of isolated subsegmental PE; and new technologic developments, such as dual-source/dual-energy pulmonary CTA.

Conclusion: The role of pulmonary CTA will continue to grow with the emergence of MDCT and dual-energy CT and their improved capabilities. However, the need for any given CT examination should always be justified on the basis of the individual patient's benefits and risks.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Angiography / methods*
  • Biomarkers / analysis
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Electrocardiography
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Angiography / methods
  • Pulmonary Embolism / diagnostic imaging*
  • Radiation Dosage
  • Tomography, Emission-Computed, Single-Photon / methods
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed / methods*
  • Venous Thrombosis / diagnosis

Substances

  • Biomarkers