CXR Case 024
A 52 year old lady presents with worsening dyspnoea and hypoxaemia
AP CXR 
CTPA
click images to enlarge
Describe and interpret this CXR and CTPA
CHEST X-RAY INTERPRETATION
CXR Interpretation:
There is bilateral basal atelectasis with otherwise clear lung fields
* AP, rotated film*
CT Interpretation:
CTPA demonstrates bilateral, proximal acute pulmonary emboli
CLINICAL CORRELATION
Atelectasis is a relatively uncommon but recognized feature of PE on plain CXR and small pleural effusions can be present in up to 40% of cases with PE
CLINICAL PEARLS
It is not the appearance on CTPA that dictates treatment – the physiological response to the PE is the critical element.
*See Pulmonary Embolus pondering
TOP 150 CXR SERIES
Prof Fraser Brims Curtin Medical School, acute and respiratory medicine specialist, immediate care in sport doc, ex-Royal Navy, academic| Top 100 CXR | Google Scholar | ICIS Course ANZ