Filling Defects
Also written as PE.
Likely probability (PE): CT pulmonary angiogram (CTPA): filling defects in the pulmonary arteries; V/Q scan if CT is not possible (renal failure, contrast allergy, pregnancy).
What our notes say
- Likely probability (PE): CT pulmonary angiogram (CTPA): filling defects in the pulmonary arteries; V/Q scan if CT is not possible (renal failure, contrast allergy, pregnancy). (DVT and Venous Thromboembolism (with Pulmonary Embolism))
- | Pulmonary embolism | Sudden pleuritic chest pain, tachypnoea, pleural rub; normal or low‑grade fever; CT‑PA shows filling defect | Disproportionate dyspnoea, risk factors (immobility, DVT); D‑dimer elevated, CXR often normal | (Pneumonia)
- | Pulmonary embolism with infarction | Acute pleuritic chest pain, tachycardia, risk factors for thrombosis, wedge‑shaped opacity on CT | CT pulmonary angiography shows filling defect; no chronic mucus plugging or bronchial wall thickening. | (Bronchiectasis)
- | Pulmonary embolism | Acute dyspnoea, pleuritic chest pain, tachycardia; risk factors for thrombosis | CT pulmonary angiography shows filling defects; D‑dimer elevation; no mass on imaging | (Lung Cancer)
- | Pulmonary embolism | Pleuritic chest pain, tachypnoea, pleuritic rub, risk factors (immobility, cancer), sinus tachycardia, D‑dimer ↑ | V/Q scan or CT pulmonary angiogram shows filling defect; right‑heart strain on ECG | (Approach to Cardiovascular Symptoms and Examination)
- | CT Pulmonary Angiogram | Pulmonary embolism, chronic thromboembolic disease, lung parenchyma | Filling defects (PE), web/bands (CTEPH), interstitial lung disease | (Pulmonary hypertension and cor pulmonale)