IMPORTANT: We currently have a number of bugs related to image cropping and are actively trying to resolve them. In the meantime, we have disabled cropping. Apologies for any inconvenience. Stay informed: radiopaedia.org/chat

Pulmonary thromboembolism

Case contributed by Avni K P Skandhan
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Sudden onset of acute dyspnea

Patient Data

Age: 40 years
Gender: Female
ct

Contrast images show presence of central thrombus within bilateral pulmonary artery first and second order branches. There is about 50 % narrowing of the arterial lumen. Main pulmonary arteries and pulmonary trunk appear patent. 

Case Discussion

Pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) is a potentially fatal condition and is a common cause of morbidity and mortality. Role of imaging in the diagnosis is very important. Pulmonary embolism refers to embolic occlusion of the arteries in the pulmonary system. 

CT pulmonary angiogram will show filling defects within the contrast opacified pulmonary vasculature in acute embolism. 

How to use cases

You can use Radiopaedia cases in a variety of ways to help you learn and teach.

Creating your own cases is easy.

Updating… Please wait.

 Unable to process the form. Check for errors and try again.

 Thank you for updating your details.