pulmonary embolism

A chest xray in patients with PE is usually normal. Positive findings may include:

  1. Regional oligemia (Westermark's sign)
  2. Elevated hemi-diaphragm
  3. Discoid atelectasis
  4. Small to moderate pleural effusion
  5. Convex opacity in costophrenic angle (Hampton's hump)

The CXR is required for proper interpretation of the ventilation/ perfusion lung scan.

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© 2002, C.E. Kahn, Jr.
2002-04-18