Diagnosis of pulmonary embolism with spiral computed tomography and magnetic resonance angiography.
Radiologic imaging techniques such as contrast-enhanced spiral computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) angiography provide noninvasive means of diagnosing pulmonary thromboembolic disease. In addition, both techniques permit direct visualization of the embolus. Although imperfect, both CT and MR angiography in various circumstances fit diagnostic pathways for pulmonary embolism detection. Recent advances in both CT (multidetector ring spiral units and electron beam) and MR technology allow not only depiction of the pulmonary arteries, but also are capable of providing information about the lower extremity deep venous system in a single examination.
Woodard
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PK
Chest Division, Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, USA. woodard@mirlink.wustl.edu
Yusen
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RD
D003287:Contrast Media; D006801:Humans; D018810:Magnetic Resonance Angiography; D011651:Pulmonary Artery / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D011655:Pulmonary Embolism / Q000175:diagnosis*; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed
D003287:Contrast Media