What is the most common diagnostic method for pulmonary embolism?

The most common diagnostic method for pulmonary embolism is a CT scan of the pulmonary arteries, specifically a CT pulmonary angiogram (CTPA). This imaging technique is preferred due to its ability to provide clear, detailed images of the blood vessels in the lungs, allowing for the identification of clots that may be obstructing blood flow.

CTPA is highly sensitive and specific for detecting pulmonary embolism, making it a first-line diagnostic tool. It can be performed quickly and gives the added benefit of assessing alternative causes for a patient's symptoms. Given the critical nature of pulmonary embolism as a potentially life-threatening condition, timely and accurate diagnosis is essential, which further underscores the importance of CT scans in these scenarios.

Other diagnostic methods, such as chest X-rays, are generally non-specific and may not provide sufficient information to confirm or rule out a PE. Similarly, while ultrasound of the legs is useful in detecting deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which can lead to pulmonary embolism, it does not directly visualize the lungs or the pulmonary arteries. Cardiac MRI has limited role in the acute setting for pulmonary embolism due to availability and time constraints. Therefore, CT scans are the standard method for definitive diagnosis of pulmonary embolism.