Imaging of acute pulmonary emboli

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality after surgical procedures. Early diagnosis and prompt, effective management of this condition present considerable clinical challenges to surgeons. Imaging studies form the mainstay of diagnosis of PE and include plain radiography, ventilation-perfusion scan, venography, echocardiography, catheter pulmonary angiogram, CT pulmonary angiogram, and MR pulmonary angiogram. Each imaging modality has a role in the diagnosis of PE.