Roentgenographic Aspects of Complete and Incomplete Pulmonary Infarction

¹ The Department of Radiology, Santa Fe Clinic, Santa Fe, New Mexico.

1) There is a very high incidence of pulmonary thromboembolic disease. This appears to be on the increase.

2) Examples of complete infarcts are given, emphasizing their radiographic variability. The odd shape of a homogenous density is sometimes helpful in diagnosis. Multiple x-ray films are important. Secondary signs are usually unreliable.

3) The importance of recognizing the incomplete infarct is stressed. Three examples are described.

4) Embolism without infarction (or, probably with incomplete infarction) occurs very frequently; an area of pulmonary ischemia may be a roentgen sign of this situation, as described by Westermark and others. Also, clinical evidence of a pulmonary embolus associated with negative roentgen evidence may warrant this diagnosis, too.