What pattern is associated with the diagnosis of Pulmonary Embolus?

The pattern associated with the diagnosis of Pulmonary Embolus is a peripheral wedge-shaped infiltrate. This is characterized by the presence of a triangular or wedge-shaped area of opacity typically found in the periphery of the lung fields on imaging studies such as chest X-rays or CT scans. This pattern arises due to infarction of lung tissue caused by occlusion of pulmonary arteries, leading to localized areas of lung consolidation.

The wedge shape corresponds to the area of lung supplied by the blocked artery, as blood supply is diminished or stopped, causing tissue necrosis. This finding is important clinically, as it can help differentiate pulmonary embolism from other conditions that may present similarly, aiding in accurate diagnosis and management.

Other patterns like ground-glass opacities, cavity formation, or fluffy infiltrates typically represent different pathologies, such as infections, malignancies, or inflammatory processes, which do not align with the mechanisms and consequences of a pulmonary embolism.