Blood clot in pulmonary artery; life-threatening; diagnosed on computed tomography pulmonary angiogram or ventilation-perfusion scan
Expansion
Pulmonary Embolism
Purpose
Common cause of acute dyspnoea and death; computed tomography pulmonary angiogram gold standard
Clinical Context
Pulmonary embolism: most commonly from deep vein thrombosis. Computed tomography pulmonary angiogram shows filling defect in pulmonary artery. Massive pulmonary embolism (proximal) equals high mortality. Ventilation-perfusion scan alternative if renal failure.
Related Terms
- Deep vein thrombosis
- Venous thromboembolism
Key Points
- Pulmonary embolism computed tomography shows filling defect in pulmonary artery; proximal equals high mortality risk