Pulmonary embolism: chest radiographic abnormalities.

The value of chest radiography in the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism has been investigated extensively. Although the chest radiograph seldom permits one to say whether embolism is or is not present, it is still an essential component in the evaluation of the patient with suspected pulmonary embolism. This article stresses the radiographic abnormalities that occur with pulmonary embolism and defines the role of the chest radiograph for evaluation of this disorder.