Radiographic signs of pulmonary embolism

Contrary to popular belief, the chest x-ray is abnormal in most patients with documented pulmonary emboli. Radiographic signs include elevation of the diaphragm, infiltrate without infarction, pulmonary infarction, atelectasis, pleural effusion, pulmonary edema, signs of reduced blood flow and changes in the pulmonary vasculature. Recognition of these nonspecific signs can alert the physician to the need for definitive testing by lung scanning and angiography.