Ventilation abnormalities associated with pulmonary embolism.
A retrospective analysis of 2035 lung images performed over approximately 5 years revealed abnormal ventilation coexisting with pulmonary embolism in 18 patients. Matching ventilation perfusion defects may be associated with pulmonary embolism without infarction. In patients with a high clinical suspicion of acute pulmonary embolism and matching V/Q abnormalities, an angiogram may be necessary to definitely exclude the diagnosis.