investigations
Last reviewed 01/2018
These include:
- chest radiography reveals elevation of the diaphragm and linear areas of atelectasis in the basal zones, but may be normal.
- ECG: the S1,Q3,T3 pattern may be found with or without right heart strain but often the cardiogram is unhelpful.
- blood gases, pulmonary function tests
- V/Q scan may show 'non-matching' defects characteristic of pulmonary embolism, but interpretation must take consideration of the radiological appearance.
- pulmonary arteriography, if performed within a few days of onset of the condition will usually demonstrate embolised zones if they are large enough.