[Angiography imaging in pulmonary embolism (author's transl)]

The principal angiography images found in cases of recent pulmonary embolism include intravascular lacunae, dome-shaped obstructions, a "dead tree" appearance and an avascular region. The first two are specific, but are mainly observed during the few days following the embolism. Highest quality images are obtained by selective angiography of the pulmonary artery, but this technique, which involves transfer of the patient to a specialized unit and catheterization of the pulmonary artery, is not without risk and, more particularly, does not explore the veins of the lower limbs. However, in a series of 110 cases of recent pulmonary embolism, venous thrombosis, usually femoroiliocaval, was present in 102 patients. A new technique is therefore proposed, ascending venous angiopneumography, which has two advantages: --It can be performed in any radiological department as a catheter does not have to be inserted. --It explores both pulmonary and venous systems. Though pulmonary images are less specific (false positives occur more frequently), the simultaneous exploration of the veins allows logical determination of therapy based on the size and site of the embolus and possible associated extension of the venous thrombosis.