Modern diagnostic strategies for pulmonary embolism (PE) rely on the sequential use of clinical probability assessment, D-dimer and thoracic imaging when necessary. Computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA) has become the imaging modality of choice. Diagnostic strategies using CTPA are very safe for the diagnosis of PE and have been well validated in large prospective management outcome studies. With the widespread use of CTPA, concerns regarding radiation and overdiagnosis of PE have paved the way for investigating new diagnostic modalities. V/Q SPECT has arisen as a highly accurate test and a potential alternative to CTPA. However, prospective management outcome studies are still lacking and are warranted before its implementation in routine clinical practice.