PURPOSE: The purpose of our study was to compare the diagnostic value of contrast-enhanced spiral CT scanning and pulmonary angiography in detecting central and peripheral pulmonary embolism (PE) in pigs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Experiments were performed in a porcine model of acute pulmonary embolism. Five pigs underwent contrast-enhanced spiral CT and pulmonary angiography after central venous administration of embolic material (Konyak). Three thoracic radiologists read the films and the results were compared with the findings of pathologic specimens. RESULTS: Of 85 cases of PE detected pathologically, 78 (91.8 %) were visible with spiral CT and 65 (76.5 %) with pulmonary angiography. Sensitivity and specificity for the detection of central emboli were 95 % and 100 %, respectively, with spiral CT, and 89 % and 100 %, respectively, with pulmonary angiography. Sensitivity and specificity for the detection of peripheral emboli were 88 % and 99 %, respectively, with spiral CT, and 64% and 100 %, respectively, with pulmonary angiography. CONCLUSION: Contrast-enhanced spiral CT is a very useful method for the diagnosis of both peripheral and central pulmonary embolism. Compared to pulmonary angiography its sensitivity and specificity are high.