[The choice of diagnostic modality for acute pulmonary embolism]

Abstract

The diagnosis of pulmonary embolism (PE) relies on clinical assessment, D-dimer test and diagnostic imaging. Modern CT pulmonary angiography (CTPA), ventilation/perfusion single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and SPECT/CT are rather equal in terms of sensitivity, specificity and inconclusive results for the diagnosis of PE, outper-forming planar lung scintigraphy. Furthermore, SPECT/CT and CTPA can both provide important information regarding differential diagnoses. Thus, the choice of primary diag-nostic modality relies on local expertise, availability and special circumstances like radiation dose, contraindications and the clinical urgency.