The usefulness of the posterior oblique views in perfusion lung imaging.

A total of 116 perfusion lung images, with and without posterior oblique views, were compared by four trained observers. There was a significant increase in the number of perfusion defects detected when the posterior oblique views were included. Pairs of projections of 89 lung images were read by the four observers. The percentage of correct readings for the posterior oblique views was 78% compared with 63% and 56% for the lateral views and AP views, respectively. Inclusion of the posterior oblique views as a routine part of the examination is recommended.