MRI for the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is one of the most frequently encountered clinical emergencies. The diagnosis often involves multiple diagnostic tests, which need to be carried out rapidly to assist in the safe management of the patient. Recent strides in computed tomography (CT) have made big improvements in patient management and efficiency of diagnostic imaging. This review article describes the developments in magnetic resonance (MR) techniques for the diagnosis of acute PE. Techniques include MR angiography (MRA) and thrombus imaging for direct clot visualization, perfusion MR, and combined perfusion-ventilation MR. As will be demonstrated, some of these techniques are now entering the clinical arena, and it is anticipated that MR imaging (MRI) will have an increasing role in the initial diagnosis and follow-up of patients with acute PE.