Pulmonary Angiography (CT) – Diagnosing Pulmonary Embolism

Pulmonary Angiography (CT) is a non-invasive imaging test used to visualize the blood vessels in the lungs. It is the gold standard for diagnosing pulmonary embolism (PE), a life-threatening condition where a blood clot blocks blood flow to the lungs.

Indications for Pulmonary Angiography (CT):

● Chest pain and shortness of breath: CT pulmonary angiography is the test of choice when a pulmonary embolism is suspected.

● Deep vein thrombosis (DVT): If a blood clot is detected in the legs, pulmonary angiography is used to confirm if the clot has traveled to the lungs.

● Respiratory failure: In patients with acute respiratory distress or failure where PE is suspected.

How Pulmonary Angiography (CT) Works:

● The patient receives an intravenous contrast dye that highlights the pulmonary arteries during the scan. A CT scan then captures detailed images of the lung blood vessels.

Normal Range:

● Normal pulmonary angiography results show open and unobstructed pulmonary arteries without any blood clots.

Abnormal Test Significance:

● Presence of a clot: A visible pulmonary embolism in the lungs indicates a blockage in the pulmonary arteries.

● Vessel abnormalities: May indicate vascular diseases, such as pulmonary hypertension or arterial aneurysms.

Management Based on Results:

● For pulmonary embolism: Immediate treatment with anticoagulants (blood thinners), thrombolytics, or surgical interventions may be necessary.

● For other vascular abnormalities: Additional treatments like angioplasty, stent placement, or surgery may be required.

Price in India:

Approx. ₹15,000 – ₹30,000 for CT pulmonary angiography.