To review the spectrum of clinic situations that follows the presence of abnormal elements in the pulmonary circulation. To describe the findings in the image studies of patients with nonthrombotic pulmonary embolism.

The radiographic manifestations of the spectrum of the nonthrombotic pulmonary embolism are diverse, reflecting its different nature. The knowledge of the pathophysiology and of the alterations in the image studies, allow the radiologist suggest or confirm the diagnosis of these entities.

Septic Embolism It is associated to infections with S. Aureus or Right Valves Endocarditis. It is characterized by the presence of peripheral parenchymatous nodules generally cavitated. Chest X-ray. Alveolar opacities in patches and peripheral parenchymal cavitated nodules. Chest CT. Nodules with soft tissue density and subpleural cavitary nodules with the "afferent vessel" sign. Photomicrograph. Artery occupied by thrombus consisting of fibrin, neutrophils and bacteria groups(arrow), H-E stain, 40 X. Fat embolism. It is a complication described between 1 and 20% of patients with long bone...

Nonthrombotic pulmonary emboli is a relatively uncommon condition. there are many biological and nonbiological substances that can cause thromboembolism. Clinical findings are often nonspecific and imaging plays a key role in the diagnosis of diverse forms of pulmonary embolism. Knowledge of the different forms of thromboembolism and its radiological representation, allows the radiologist to make an early and specific diagnosis.

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