CT Pulmonary Angiography Technical Quality and Reporting Checklist
Report CTPA adequacy, embolus distribution, right heart strain findings, and alternative diagnoses in a fixed sequence.
A CT pulmonary angiography report should first state whether the examination can exclude emboli at the claimed level. A negative result can be falsely reassuring when pulmonary arterial enhancement, motion, respiratory artifact, and bolus timing are not considered. In a positive study, record the most proximal clot level and right heart findings.
This checklist addresses interpretation of a completed diagnostic examination. The decision to order CTPA depends on clinical probability, D-dimer testing, and appropriateness guidance. Chronic thromboembolic disease, postoperative change, and low-flow artifact can mimic acute embolus.
Assessment framework
- Review main pulmonary arterial enhancement and bolus timing.