[Profile lung angiography in the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism (author's transl)]

Selective profile lung angiography provides a valuable contribution to the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism. Indeed, the frequent localization of emboli in the postero-basal zones which could be partially obstructed or undetectable on the frontal lung angiography supports the use of this technique. Our results are based on 50 recent cases of pulmonary embolism, divided into three groups: - non-massive pulmonary embolism explored before the 10th day (16 patients); - non-massive pulmonary embolism explored after the 10th day (24 patients); - massive pulmonary embolism (10 patients). Selective profile angiography confirmed the diagnosis in 10 patients by revealing pathognomonic pictures. Furthermore, a highly-probable diagnosis was allowed in 11 patients having very evocative pictures. Finally, selective profile lung angiography helped to determine the localization of the thrombi, the circulation in adjacent zones, and the quantification of the obstruction in 30 patients.