Significance of Results
| Result | Interpretation | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Normal | No perfusion deficit | Excludes pulmonary thromboembolism |
| Low probability | Perfusion deficit with matched ventilation deficit | < 20% probability of PE |
| Intermediate probability | Perfusion deficit that corresponds to parenchymal abnormality on chest x-ray | 20% - 80% probability of PE |
| High probability | Multiple segmental perfusion deficits with normal ventilation | > 80% probability of PE |
Decreased uptake of the inhaled radioisotope may indicate an impaired ability to breathe, airway obstruction, or possible pneumonia.
Decreased circulation of the injected MAA indicates a problem with blood flow into or within the lungs. A localized area of decreased uptake, usually in a wedge shaped (or pie shaped) configuration with normal ventilation images (mismatched defect) suggests a pulmonary embolus or blood clot in the lungs, which leads to reduced perfusion.
Read more about this topic: Ventilation/perfusion Scan
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