A 58-year-old male patient presents with acute onset chest pain, dyspnea, cough, and hemoptysis. Chest radiographic examination reveals decreased vascular markings in the left midlung as well as a triangular pleural-based radiopacity distally, adjacent to the chest wall. Which of the following diagnostic imaging modalities would be most helpful in initial follow-up?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Given the patient's symptoms and radiographic findings, the most likely diagnosis is pulmonary embolism. A ventilation and perfusion radionuclide scan can confirm the diagnosis and determine the extent and location of the embolism. MRI or conventional tomography may also be useful, but they are less commonly used in the initial evaluation of suspected pulmonary embolism. Expiration radiographs may help to confirm the presence of airway obstruction, but they are less useful in the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism.

A 58-Year-Old Male Patient Presents with Acute Onset Chest Pain