Chest CT Appearances
Chronic Pulmonary Embolism (PE) CT Findings
- Intraluminal filling defect within a vessel surrounding by contrast material (“polo mint” or “railway track” appearance)
- Peripheral, crescent-shaped intraluminal defect that forms obtuse angles with the vessel wall
- Intraluminal webs or flaps, calcification, recanalization
- Vessels are decreased in size
- Abnormal tapering
- May cut off completely from the segmental vessel
Other Information About Chronic Pulmonary Embolism (PE)
Etiology:
- Undissolved clot from previous acute PE
Epidemiology:
- Anyone with an acute PE is susceptible to chronic PE
Presentation:
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Syncope
- Hypertension
Prognosis:
- Chronic PE must be addressed but is often curable
Related Pearls: Pulmonary Embolism