[Radiologic and nuclear medicine diagnosis of lung embolism]

The imaging methods used in diagnosing pulmonary embolism and their appropriate indication in individual situations are discussed. Chest radiography is needed to exclude other diseases, whereas nuclear ventilation and perfusion scans are the main screening method and have not been replaced by intravenous digital subtraction angiography up to now. As long as these non-invasive methods are clearly negative or positive, no other method is needed. With questionable findings (intermediate scan probability), pulmonary angiography is needed, above all when there is a contraindication to anticoagulation.