Signs of pulmonary embolism can often be detected through which diagnostic procedure?

A CT scan is particularly effective in diagnosing pulmonary embolism because it provides detailed images of the blood vessels in the lungs, allowing for the visualization of clots that may be obstructing blood flow. This imaging technique, specifically CT pulmonary angiography, is a preferred method due to its speed and accuracy in identifying emboli.

In the context of diagnosing pulmonary embolism, other diagnostic methods do not provide the same level of specificity. An electrocardiogram can show heart strain or other indirect signs but is not definitive for detecting clots. An X-ray may help to rule out other conditions but typically does not reveal pulmonary embolism directly. Blood tests, such as D-dimer tests, may indicate a higher likelihood of clot presence but cannot confirm or visualize the embolism itself. Thus, while they can support the overall clinical picture, they are not used as primary diagnostic tools for pulmonary embolism like a CT scan is.