Helical CT pulmonary angiography has become the initial imaging study of choice for suspected pulmonary embolism, while MR imaging remains a second-line diagnostic tool.
CT pulmonary angiography is the preferred initial imaging modality for evaluating suspected pulmonary embolism, with MRI serving as a second-line option.
During the 1990s, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging underwent extensive technological advancement and expanded clinical use in patients with venous thromboembolic disease, particularly with regard to evaluation of the pulmonary vasculature. In many institutions, helical (spiral) CT pulmonary angiography has become the initial imaging study of choice to evaluate patients with suspected pulmonary embolism, supplanting ventilation/perfusion scintigraphy. In addition, CT venography of the pelvis and lower extremities is often incorporated into the CT angiography protocol to identify or exclude concurrent deep venous thrombosis. MR pulmonary angiography and MR venography are second-line diagnostic tools because of their higher cost, limited availability, and other logistical constraints. As the technology improves and becomes more widely available, MR imaging may play a greater role in the evaluation of patients with venous thromboembolic disease.
Kanne et al. (Mon,) conducted a review in Venous thromboembolic disease. Computed Tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance (MR) imaging was evaluated. Helical CT pulmonary angiography has become the initial imaging study of choice for suspected pulmonary embolism, while MR imaging remains a second-line diagnostic tool.