The general prevalence and morbidity of pulmonary embolism is very high. Mortality after surgery due to pulmonary embolism is about 4%. Helical CT angiography is a very useful tool to discover emboli in the pulmonary artery. 44 pulmonary CTA were compared with chest X-rays, perfusion scintigraphy of lungs and colour flowdopplerometry of lower extremity veins. 16 cases of pulmonary embolism were found, 10 cases of massive and 6 cases of submassive embolism. Dilatation of the pulmonary artery was the most accurate sign of massive pulmonary embolism on chest X-rays (sensitivity 1.00, specificity 0,76, PV+ 0.56, PV- 1.00). The accuracy of colour flow dopplerometry and negativity of perfusion scintigraphy was 100%.

        Key words: pulmonary embolism - helical CT angiography - perfusion scintigraphy of the lungs - chest X-ray - colour flow dopplerometry