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ISSN 1561-3046 (Electronic)

2012, Number 2

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Rev Cub Med Mil 2012; 41 (2)

Pulmonary thromboembolism without infarction diagnosed by chest roentgenography

Solís AL, Pérez GR, Pérez EJ

Language: Spanish
References: 10
Page:
PDF size: 89.33 Kb.


ABSTRACT

A male 23-year-old asymptomatic patient presents with a personal history of migratory thrombophlebitis under study. Chest roentgenography showed a right basal hypertransparent image (Westermark sign) with scarce vessels at that level and a larger ipsilateral hilum, which raised the suspicion of pulmonary thromboembolism without infarction. The diagnosis was confirmed when pulmonary angiotomography showed that the right lateral basal segmental artery was amputated. Chest roentgenography has low sensitivity and specificity for the confirmation of pulmonary thromboembolism. However, it should be remembered that it continues to be the first test performed in the examination, due to its low cost and its availability in all health care centers, allowing to rule out other conditions which could simulate pulmonary thromboembolism, and in some cases, such as this one, even making it possible to reach a diagnosis.


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