Six cases of acute central pulmonary embolism revealed on unenhanced multidetector CT of the chest

OBJECTIVE. Our purpose was to describe the imaging findings of central pulmonary embolism on unenhanced multidetector CT (MDCT) of the chest. CONCLUSION. Unenhanced MDCT of the chest is often performed for the evaluation of nonspecific chest symptoms. Awareness of the rare finding of a high-attenuation centrally located pulmonary embolism on unenhanced MDCT is important because acute pulmonary embolism may be identified when it is not suspected clinically, and such detection can determine further imaging needs and allow the timely initiation of appropriate therapy.