Non-traumatic thoracic emergencies: CT venography in an integrated diagnostic strategy of acute pulmonary embolism and venous thrombosis

Deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism are the two aspects of venous thrombo-embolism. Investigation of lower limb veins has been part of various diagnostic algorithms in the past 15 years. Recently, the combination of CT venography (CTV) of lower limbs and abdominal veins together with CT angiography of the pulmonary arteries has allowed a complete examination of venous thrombo-embolism in one session. The technical aspects, imaging findings, venous anatomy on CT, interpretative pitfalls, results and advantages of CT venography are reviewed.