Pulmonary embolic disease: the roles of angiography and lung scanning in diagnosis
Jackson, D.C.; Tyson, J.W.; Johnsrude, I.S.; Wilkinson, R.H.
Journal of the Canadian Association of Radiologists 26(2): 139-144
1975
ISSN/ISBN: 0008-2902 PMID: 1158960 Document Number: 92662
The definitive diagnosis of pulmonary embolism remains difficult despite recent advances in nuclear medicine and angiography. In 10% of a selected series of 145 patients a negative chest x-ray and a positive lung scan was associated with no arteriographic evidence of pulmonary emboli. A normal perfusion lung scan excludes significant pulmonary embolism. When pulmonary arteriography is necessary, a biplane selective pulmonary angiogram should be performed and subselective injections may be required. Pulmonary arteriography is less of a threat to a patient suspected of having pulmonary embolic disease than inappropriate treatment.