Imaging of pulmonary embolisms

Abstract

The diagnosis of pulmonary embolism remains a difficult problem. the clinical findings are insensitive and often nonspecific. The exact role of imaging, specifically ventilation-perfusion scanning, has been controversial. This year, the results of the Prospective Investigation of Pulmonary Embolism Diagnosis were published. The findings confirm that lung scintigraphy remains a key diagnostic procedure in the work-up of pulmonary embolism. "Normal" and "high"-probability scans are reliable categories and can usually be used without further investigation to make treatment decisions. "Intermediate"-and "low"-probability scans are not adequately reproducible as categories and are therefore difficult to separate. Most patients with scan results in these two categories will require further confirmatory tests.