Imaging pulmonary infection: classic signs and patterns

AJR Am J Roentgenol. 2014 Mar;202(3):479-92. doi: 10.2214/AJR.13.11463.

Abstract

Objective: The purposes of this article are to describe common and uncommon imaging signs and patterns of pulmonary infections and to discuss their underlying anatomic and pathophysiologic basis.

Conclusion: Imaging plays an integral role in the diagnosis and management of suspected pulmonary infections and may reveal useful signs on chest radiographs and CT scans. Detected early, these signs can often be used to predict the causative agent and pathophysiologic mechanism and possibly to optimize patient care.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lung / diagnostic imaging*
  • Lung Diseases / diagnostic imaging*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Radiographic Image Enhancement / methods*
  • Radiography, Thoracic / methods*
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Respiratory Tract Infections / diagnostic imaging*
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed / methods*