Magnetic Resonance Angiography as a Radiation-Free Alternative for Pulmonary Embolism: A Longitudinal Case Report
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.3941/jrcr.6169Abstract
Pulmonary embolism is life-threatening and is usually diagnosed with computed tomography (CT), which involves ionizing radiation and iodinated contrast. This case describes a pulmonary embolism diagnosed with magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) in 2004 and 2025, providing a longitudinal comparison of MRA/MRI’s reproducibility in pulmonary embolism and venous thromboembolism diagnosis in this patient.
A 65-year-old female with prior pulmonary embolism and chronic venous insufficiency presented with dyspnea, pleuritic chest pain and leg edema. Due to patient concerns about radiation from CT angiography, MRI was employed first line.MRI revealed multiple pulmonary emboli, lower limb deep vein thromboses and infarction pneumonia. The patient was treated with anticoagulation and antibiotics.
This case shows MRA can diagnose pulmonary embolism while avoiding radiation. It underscores MRI’s role as a safe diagnostic alternative to CT and supports its uptake for the broader population.
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