The records of 2,255 autopsies performed on adults between Jan 1, 1969, and Dec 31, 1981, were reviewed for the presence of pulmonary embolism. The overall incidence was 32.3% (18.4%, microscopic; 4%, microscopic; and 9.9%, both). During this period, 95 patients with chronic renal failure (serum creatinine level, greater than 5.0 mg/dL) were identified. The incidence in this group was 9.47% (all microscopic). We conclude that pulmonary embolism is an infrequent cause of mortality in patients with chronic renal failure.