How quickly do perfusion defects associated with pulmonary emboli resolve?
Studies have reported varying rates of resolution of perfusion defects associated with pulmonary emboli. Some perfusion defects can resolve within 24 hours while others can persist indefinitely. For this reason, some clinicians recommend obtaining a V/Q scan approximately 3 months after treatment of PE to determine a new “baseline” lung perfusion pattern for the patient. This scan can then be compared to future scans if a determination of new PE is needed because of the onset of acute pulmonary symptoms or signs of disease.
