Abstract

In this report, the role of contrast-enhanced pulmonary magnetic resonance angiography for the detection of pulmonary embolism was evaluated. Thirteen male patients with pulmonary embolism followed by our clinic between January 1997-September 1999 were included in the study. All patients had undergone pulmonary magnetic resonance angiography. Their mean age was 47.2±15.2 years (range, 27 to 73). Pulmonary arterial tree could be visualised from the main pulmonary arteries to segmental arteries on pulmonary magnetic resonance angiography in all patients. Five patients (38%) had evidence of occlusion on magnetic resonance angiogra - phy (2 in segmental arteries, 2 in lobar arteries and 1 in right main pulmonary artery). Occlusion was detect - ed in 4 (66.6%) of the 6 patients with high or intermediate probability at ventilation-perfusion scintigraphy and 1 (33.3%) of the 3 patients with low probability at ventilation-perfusion scintigraphy. In conclusion, pulmonary magnetic resonance angiography is an easy and non-invasive procedure for detecting emboli in the proximal portions of the pulmonary arteries, but high costs restrict its routine usage. Key words: pulmonary embolism, diagnosis, magnetic resonance angiography