Methods: Forty-five patients who suspected pulmonary embolism because of dyspnea and right heart failure symptoms were included in the study. Bilateral lower extremities venous system color Doppler ultrasonographic examination and spiral thorax CT scans were performed to all patients. Presence of deep venous thrombosis and anatomic distribution of pulmonary embolus were determined.

Results: Twenty-nine pulmonary emboli detected in 21 of 45 patients. Five (23.8%) of 21 patients also had deep venous thrombosis. The emboli distribution was 2 (6.9%) at pulmonary trunk, 9 (31%) at right main pulmonary artery, 6 (20.7%) at left main pulmonary artery, 7 (24.1%) at right lower lobar artery, 3 (10.3%) at right upper lobar artery, 2 (6.9%) at right upper lob segment artery. The form of emboli was total in 13 (44.8%), and was subtotal in 16 (55.2%).

Conclusion: Spiral CT is a succesful modality in determination of pulmonary embolism at life theareting proximal main pulmonary vasculature. And it should be applied to all patients whoes bilateral lower extremity color doppler ultrasonography exam is negative but clinically suspected pulmonary embolism.