CT Venography in an Integrated Diagnostic Strategy of Acute Pulmonary Embolism and Venous Thrombosis

Regarding all advantages, combined CTPA-CTV appears as an outstanding imaging technique for patients suspected having VTE which will challenge the current standards in diagnostic work up in the near future. The technique is time and cost-effective and allows an “all-in-one” accurate visualization of the pulmonary arteries, cardiac chambers, limb, pelvic, retroperitoneal and mediastinal veins. Correct choice of imaging parameters and reasonable use of the spiral mode while imaging the veins decrease the irradiation dose to an acceptable level. Clinical results suggest that CTV should be performed in combination with CTPA in patients suspected having PE, except in young patients, unless US has recently been performed.