Computed tomography angiography (CTA) is the modality used most frequently for diagnosing acute pulmonary embolism (PE). Given the vast amount of information that can be extracted from CTA, the CTA report should be written in a way that conveys all relevant findings using standardized nomenclature and definitions. Broad consensus on a core set of CTA findings that are relevant for all PE patients is not currently available. This clinical consensus statement written by the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Working Group on Pulmonary Circulation and Right Ventricular Function, the Fleischner Society and the Association for Acute Cardiovascular Care and the European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging of the ESC provides a current update of CTA techniques, a definition of often used nomenclature and recommendations on the proposed content of CTA reports along with a detailed image atlas with instructions on how to assess all relevant CTA findings and a lay language guidance on the meaning of these findings. Ultimately, upon implementation, this document is expected to standardize CTA radiology reports with respect to diagnostic and prognostic CT imaging findings to guide and harmonize management decisions, ultimately improving outcomes of care for PE patients.
Keywords: computed tomography; diagnosis; outcome; prognosis; pulmonary embolism; reference standards.
This article has been co-published with permission in the European Heart Journal – Cardiovascular Imaging and Radiology. All rights reserved. © The European Society of Cardiology and the Fleischner Society 2025.The articles are identical except for minor stylistic and spelling differences in keeping with each journal's style. Either citation can be used when citing this article.