What type of pattern is typically seen with a pulmonary embolus?

A pulmonary embolus typically creates a wedge-shaped infiltrate on imaging studies, particularly on chest X-rays or CT scans. This is due to the occlusion of a pulmonary artery, which can lead to infarction of lung tissue downstream from the blocked vessel. The wedge shape represents the area of lung that is supplied by the affected artery, delineated by the vascular supply and typically corresponds to the shape of the pulmonary artery branching.

This pattern is indicative of localized lung injury due to the embolic event, as the surrounding lung tissue may appear normal while the area supplied by the occluded artery becomes consolidated or infarcted. Recognizing this wedge-shaped infiltrate is critical in diagnosing pulmonary embolism and understanding its impacts on lung function and perfusion.

In contrast, a honeycomb pattern is more associated with chronic lung diseases such as interstitial lung disease, and a ground glass appearance indicates diffuse processes affecting lung parenchyma, often seen in conditions such as pulmonary edema or infections. Blunting of the costophrenic angle typically suggests fluid accumulation (pleural effusion) rather than an embolic event. Therefore, the wedge-shaped infiltrate is the most characteristic and relevant pattern associated with a pulmonary embolism.