Question 1

why can't an x-ray diagnose pulmonary embolism?

Accepted Answer

PE and xray: It can, in a sense. PE can be diagnosed with CT and angiography, both of which utilize xrays.  There may be some secondary findings on standard chest xrays to suggest PE, but for the most part, the relatively poor soft tissue contrast resolution of standard xrays make it all but impossible to visualize an embolus within a vessel.

Question 2

might a pulmonary embolism have shown up on a chest x-ray?

Accepted Answer

Unlikely: There are some signs
hypo perfusion of an area, 
infarction of an area
scalloping of lung border

best diagnosed with ct scan or v/q scan.

Question 3

can a chest x-ray see a pulmonary embolism?

Accepted Answer

may be : Chest x ray may diagnose pulmonary infarction as a vedge shadow. Then it is too late.

Question 4

what to do if i recently had a chest x-ray to look at my lungs. would a pulmonary embolism have shown up?

Accepted Answer

Unlikely: There are some secondary x-ray signs but usually ct scan or v/q scans are necessary to detect pulmonary clots.
Plain chest x-ray  can suggest an area with decreased lung markings, density of infarct, or peripheral lung contour abnormalities.

Question 5

normal ecg normal oxygen normal chest x-ray normal bp pulmonary embolism??

Accepted Answer

Likely: The way to prove it for sure is a PE scan. If you are having chest pain be reviewed. All the best.

Question 6

two normal d dimers last week normal bp normal oxygen normal chest x-ray normal tropin normal ecg still worried about pulmonary embolism?

Accepted Answer

Unlikely : With two negative d dimers, the changes of having a PE is very unlikely.  The rationale for this test is to prove no PE.  it is a very sensitive test when negative.

Question 7

constant uncomfortable shortness of breath for 2 weeks. ekg, pulmonary embolism, and chest x-ray negative. i'm easily out of breath when active. ?

Accepted Answer

Further testing: Need further testing, including lung function, autoimmune panel, and HIV test.

Question 8

convinced i'm going to drop dead pulmonary embolism two neg d diners clear chest x-ray ecg normal just tachy hurts to breathe chest cough oxy says 93-97%?

Accepted Answer

Unreasonable.: If you have been evaluated for this and there are no risk factors, you are at extremely low risk of having a PE.  Your fear is unwarranted and is more likely related to a deep seated anxiety regarding mortality or other factors.  Statistically, you should be worried about something else as the cause of your demise.

Question 9

i just had an angio pulmonary cat scan with contrast to rule out a pulmonary embolism. can that detect lung cancer? chest xray normal. 42 years old.

Accepted Answer

Yes: This type of Chest scan is primarily focused on the pulmonary artery and vasculature which is why you received the contrast. However, it is still a Chest CT and it takes a good look and the lung tissue too.  It would see your lung tumor if it were there.

Question 10

strange dropping sensation in chest, makes breathing short and heart fast. ct scan clear, chest xray clear, not pulmonary embolism or dvt. what is it?

Accepted Answer

Arrhythmia: You sound like you have heart rhythm issue. A 24 hour recording of your heart rhythm (holter recording) would be helpful.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

X ray of pulmonary embolism

A member asked:

Why can't an x-ray diagnose pulmonary embolism?

A member asked:

Might a pulmonary embolism have shown up on a chest x-ray?

A member asked:

Can a chest x-ray see a pulmonary embolism?

A member asked:

What to do if i recently had a chest x-ray to look at my lungs. would a pulmonary embolism have shown up?

A member asked:

Normal ecg normal oxygen normal chest x-ray normal bp pulmonary embolism??

A member asked:

Two normal d dimers last week normal bp normal oxygen normal chest x-ray normal tropin normal ecg still worried about pulmonary embolism?

A member asked:

Constant uncomfortable shortness of breath for 2 weeks. ekg, pulmonary embolism, and chest x-ray negative. i'm easily out of breath when active. ?

A member asked:

Convinced i'm going to drop dead pulmonary embolism two neg d diners clear chest x-ray ecg normal just tachy hurts to breathe chest cough oxy says 93-97%?

A member asked:

I just had an angio pulmonary cat scan with contrast to rule out a pulmonary embolism. can that detect lung cancer? chest xray normal. 42 years old.

A member asked:

Strange dropping sensation in chest, makes breathing short and heart fast. ct scan clear, chest xray clear, not pulmonary embolism or dvt. what is it?

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?