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Non-thrombotic pulmonary embolism in emergency CT

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Abstract

Non-thrombotic pulmonary embolism (NTPE) results from the embolization of non-thrombotic materials. It can often be a challenging diagnosis due to non-specific (similar to thrombotic pulmonary embolism) or uncommon clinical and imaging findings. Patients with NTPE often present to the emergency department with acute respiratory distress, and contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) of the chest and CT pulmonary angiography are the imaging modalities of choice for respiratory distress. Since the treatment of NTPE is entirely different from thromboembolism, its distinction is essential. Moreover, early diagnosis of NTPE is necessary. Radiologists must be familiar with the diagnostic findings of NTPE, and this article aims to review the imaging features of various causes of NTPE.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Radiology, University of Pamukkale, Denizli, Turkey

    Furkan Ufuk & Ergin Sagtas

  2. Department of Radiology, University of Kocatepe, Afyonkarahisar, Turkey

    Furkan Kaya

  3. Department of Radiology, Erzincan Binali Yildirim University, Erzincan, Turkey

    Ali Kupeli

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  1. Furkan Ufuk
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  2. Furkan Kaya
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  3. Ergin Sagtas
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  4. Ali Kupeli
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Correspondence to Furkan Ufuk.

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Ufuk, F., Kaya, F., Sagtas, E. et al. Non-thrombotic pulmonary embolism in emergency CT. Emerg Radiol 27, 343–350 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10140-020-01755-8

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