Imaging of pulmonary thromboembolism

Pulmonary thromboembolism usually results from deep venous thrombi originating in the lower extremities. Therefore, imaging of venous thromboembolism includes evaluation of the pulmonary arteries and the deep veins of the lower extremities. The introduction of helical CT and multidetector row CT into daily use has enabled direct visualization of pulmonary arteries. CT venography, performed 3 minutes after CT pulmonary angiography (without additional contrast administration), adds the ability to evaluate the veins of the lower extremities and pelvis. The modalities currently used in the diagnostic workup of venous thromboembolic disease and their advantages and disadvantages are discussed in this article.