Interventricular septal shift due to massive pulmonary embolism shown by CT pulmonary angiography: an old sign revisited

摘要

The computed tomographic (CT) pulmonary angiogram appearancesof acute right ventricular dysfunction due to massive pulmonary embolusin a patient are described. Abnormal findings comprised rightventricular dilatation, interventricular septal shift, and compressionof the left ventricle. These changes resolved following thrombolysis.Use of CT pulmonary angiography to diagnose pulmonary emboli isincreasing. Secondary cardiac effects are established diagnosticfeatures shown by echocardiography. These have not been previouslydescribed but are important to recognise as they may carry importantprognostic and therapeutic implications.