Ailments & Conditions

CT Scans for Pulmonary Embolism

What Does a Pulmonary Embolism Look Like on a CT Scan?

In many cases, a pulmonary embolism looks like a very white structure in a circular shape around a blood vessel. However, it is not always present. Several other changes associated with this condition that can be observed with a CT scan include:

– A bulging blood vessel

– A blood vessel that seems to be not filled with blood due to a clot or obstruction

– Contrast dye that light up

In those people with chronic pulmonary emboli, the signs may look different on a CT scan. [5]