Chest | ct
Pulmonary Embolism
Pulmonary embolism means imaging showed clot within the pulmonary arteries. This is usually treated as a clinically important finding because it can affect blood flow to the lungs and may need urgent medical care.
In many reports, this wording is a clue for your doctor to interpret rather than a diagnosis by itself. The overall concern level depends on the surrounding findings, and follow-up is often guided by symptoms, prior scans, or whether the area is changing over time.
Pulmonary embolism means a blood clot is seen in the arteries of the lungs.
How concerning it may be
The clot burden is large or central
What may happen next
Manage clinically rather than as a routine incidental finding
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What it means
Pulmonary embolism means imaging showed clot within the pulmonary arteries. This is usually treated as a clinically important finding because it can affect blood flow to the lungs and may need urgent medical care.
Also seen as: pe, lung clot.
If you are trying to place this wording inside the bigger picture of your report, start with the radiology findings hub and then compare it with the related symptom and report phrase pages below.
What matters most on a report
This term becomes more or less important depending on its size, location, severity, associated symptoms, and whether it is new compared with earlier imaging. Radiologists usually expect the finding to be read alongside the rest of the report instead of in isolation.
How common it is
Pulmonary embolism is less common than incidental benign findings, but it is a standard chest imaging diagnosis.
Clinically important chest imaging diagnosis
Pulmonary embolism is not a routine incidental term and usually changes medical management when present.
Common causes
- Blood clot from the legs or pelvis
- Conditions that increase clotting risk
- Recent surgery or immobility
- Cancer or other provoking factors
When doctors worry
- The clot burden is large or central
- The report mentions right heart strain
- There are significant cardiopulmonary symptoms
Typical follow-up
- Manage clinically rather than as a routine incidental finding
- Assess symptoms and physiologic effect
- Treatment and recovery planning usually matter more than imaging alone
Common misunderstandings
A radiology finding name can sound more definite than it really is. Many findings describe an imaging pattern, not a final diagnosis, and many turn out to be less urgent once doctors match the wording with your symptoms, exam, and any earlier studies.
Example report wording
Acute pulmonary embolism in the right lower lobe pulmonary artery.
See phrase explanationFindings compatible with pulmonary embolism with evidence of right heart strain.
See phrase explanation
Common report phrases linked to this finding
Acute pulmonary embolism in the right lower lobe pulmonary artery.
"Acute pulmonary embolism in the right lower lobe pulmonary artery." is radiology report language linked to pulmonary embolism and is best understood in the context of the full imaging report.
Cholelithiasis without evidence of acute cholecystitis.
"Cholelithiasis without evidence of acute cholecystitis." is radiology report language linked to gallstones and is best understood in the context of the full imaging report.
Findings compatible with pulmonary embolism with evidence of right heart strain.
"Findings compatible with pulmonary embolism with evidence of right heart strain." is radiology report language linked to pulmonary embolism and is best understood in the context of the full imaging report.
Frequently asked questions
Is pulmonary embolism serious?
It can be. The significance depends on the size and location of the clot and the patient's condition.
Should I rely on educational content alone if my report mentions PE?
No. This usually requires direct clinician guidance.
Related symptom guides
These educational symptom pages explain search-intent questions that often overlap with this finding.
Keep exploring related radiology pages
Clear medical disclaimer
Educational information only. Always consult your clinician for medical advice.
This page is educational only and should be used to understand report language, not to diagnose a condition or replace clinician review.
Sources
Sources and medical review process
RadDx finding pages are written for patient education using consumer-friendly radiology references, plain-language terminology resources, and cautious summary review of common imaging follow-up frameworks.
- Reviewed by
- RadDx Editorial Team
- Last reviewed
- March 10, 2026
- RadiologyInfo.org
RSNA and ACR
- MedlinePlus
U.S. National Library of Medicine
- NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms
National Cancer Institute
Sources are used for patient education context and terminology support. They do not replace clinician review of your individual report.
Important Notice
Educational use only. RadDx does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or clinician supervision.
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