What is a common finding on a pulmonary angiogram in a patient with a Pulmonary Embolism?

A pulmonary angiogram is a diagnostic imaging tool used to visualize the blood vessels in the lungs. In patients with a pulmonary embolism (PE), the most characteristic finding is a blockage in the pulmonary arteries. This blockage occurs when a blood clot from another part of the body, often from the deep veins of the legs, travels to the lungs and occludes one or more pulmonary arteries.

When examining the angiogram, this obstruction can often be seen as a filling defect in the lumen of the affected arteries, indicating that blood flow is compromised. The intensity of this blockage can vary depending on the size of the clot and the extent of the pulmonary arteries involved.

In contrast, a normal vascular pattern would be expected in healthy individuals without any blockage, while increased vascular size or thickened vessel walls are not typical findings associated with acute pulmonary embolism and may suggest other pathological conditions.