Advances in computed tomographic technology and contrast media in the detection of thromboembolic disease

Pulmonary embolism and deep vein thrombosis are manifestations of the same thomboembolic disease spectrum that are difficult to diagnose clinically. Over the past decade, computed tomography (CT) has become a heavily utilized modality for the detection of thromboembolic disease, with high accuracy compared with ventilation-perfusion scans and lower extremity sonography. Despite its usefulness and widespread clinical acceptance, CT evaluation of thromboembolic disease has several drawbacks. This review elucidates the commonly cited disadvantages of thromboembolic CT imaging and how advances in CT technology and contrast media have addressed these shortcomings.