For the patients with suspected massive type of acute thromboembolism (APTE), chest X-ray and transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) should be performed first and subsequent pulmonary arteriography confirms the diagnosis with possible interventions including percutaneous cardiopulmonary support, etc. Computed tomography (CT) is now the first line diagnostic imaging for the other types of APTE and possible deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Pulmonary perfusion scintigraphy is available for the patients with allergy for the iodinated contrast, renal dysfunction, pregnancy, negative CT finding despite clinically highly suspected APTE, and for the evaluation of subsequent treatments. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is possible alternative to CT and may provide more information about thrombus age and perfusion.
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