CTICasesFalse Positive Subsegmental Pulmonary Embolism
Imaging findings
CT angiography shows apparent filling defects in the subsegmental pulmonary arteries. However, these defects are associated with localized respiratory motion artifacts (blurring of adjacent structures) and lack the classic vessel expansion or sharp margins of real thrombus.
Key takeaways
Subsegmental pulmonary emboli are frequently overdiagnosed due to motion artifacts, breathing during contrast injection, or poor opacification. High specificity is crucial when reporting PEs, as a false-positive diagnosis commits the patient to unnecessary, long-term anticoagulation.
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