Computed Tomography Angiography in Chronic Pulmonary Thromboembolism

Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension is clearly more common than previously was thought, and misdiagnosis is common because patients often present with nonspecific symptoms related to pulmonary hypertension. Computed tomography (CT) is a useful alternative to conventional angiography not only for diagnosing chronic pulmonary thromboembolism but also for determining which cases are treatable with surgery and confirming technical success postoperatively. Early recognition of chronic pulmonary thromboembolism may help improve the outcome, since the condition is potentially curable with pulmonary thromboendarterectomy.