Medicine
Diagnostic Imaging Modalities for Pulmonary Embolism
Quick fact
CT pulmonary angiography (CTPA) is the most commonly used imaging test for suspected pulmonary embolism, and it can detect clots in vessels as small as subsegmental branches, but it exposes the patient to radiation and intravenous contrast—so in patients with kidney problems or early pregnancy, a ventilation-perfusion (V/Q) scan is often preferred.
Why this is interesting
When a patient suddenly has trouble breathing and chest pain, how do doctors find the culprit—a blood clot in the lungs—without opening the chest? The answer lies in a suite of clever imaging tricks, each with its own trade-offs.