Pulmonary Embolism
A pulmonary embolism is a blood clot in the arteries of the lungs and can be life-threatening if not recognized quickly.
When to get help quickly: This can be an emergency. Sudden breathing trouble, chest pain, collapse, or major light-headedness needs urgent medical care.
Common symptoms
Symptoms may include sudden shortness of breath, chest pain that is worse with breathing, coughing, fast heartbeat, dizziness, or coughing up blood.
When imaging helps
Imaging helps when a blood clot in the lungs is suspected, especially if symptoms are sudden or there is a history of leg swelling, recent surgery, cancer, or long immobility.
What radiology does
CT pulmonary angiography is commonly used to look for the clot and assess its extent.
What usually happens next
Treatment often includes blood thinners and, in selected severe cases, clot-directed procedures or more urgent intervention.
Seen this on your report?
Your doctor or the radiologist who wrote it can tell you what it means for you.
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Related scan guides
- CTPA (CT Pulmonary Angiography)A CTPA (Computed Tomography Pulmonary Angiography) acts as a swift, targeted search for blockages in your lungs. It is a critical, life-saving test used to quickly map out the pulmonary arteries.
- CT ChestA CT Chest scan is an imaging test that uses X-rays and computer processing to produce detailed cross-sectional images of the lungs, heart, airways, blood vessels, and chest wall.
- Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) TreatmentA deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a solid blood clot deep inside the muscles, usually in the leg or arm. When blood thinners aren't enough, doctors use image guidance to physically clear the blocked vein.