Which diagnostic imaging is most commonly used to assess for pulmonary embolism?

CT pulmonary angiography is the most commonly used diagnostic imaging technique for assessing pulmonary embolism due to its high sensitivity and specificity in visualizing blood clots in the pulmonary arteries. This imaging modality allows for rapid, non-invasive visualization of the pulmonary vasculature, helping to confirm or rule out the presence of emboli.

CT pulmonary angiography involves the administration of a contrast agent, which enhances the visibility of blood vessels on the scan, making it easier to detect clots within the arteries that supply blood to the lungs. The speed of this procedure also allows it to be performed quickly in emergency settings, which is crucial for timely diagnosis and management of patients suspected to have a pulmonary embolism.

While other imaging methods like X-rays, MRI, and ultrasound can be used in certain contexts, they do not provide the same level of detail regarding vascular structures, particularly for clot detection. An X-ray may show indirect signs of pulmonary embolism, but it cannot visualize clots directly. MRI is less commonly used for this condition due to longer scan times and is not typically employed in acute situations. Ultrasound, while useful for assessing deep vein thrombosis (which can lead to pulmonary embolism), does not evaluate the pulmonary arteries adequately.