Overview of current lung imaging in acute respiratory distress syndrome

Eur Respir Rev. 2014 Dec;23(134):519-30. doi: 10.1183/09059180.00001314.

Abstract

Imaging plays a key role in the diagnosis and follow-up of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Chest radiography, bedside lung ultrasonography and computed tomography scans can provide useful information for the management of patients and detection of prognostic factors. However, imaging findings are not specific and several possible differential diagnoses should be taken into account. Herein we will review the role of radiological techniques in ARDS, highlight the plain radiological and computed tomography findings according to the pathological stage of the disease (exudative, inflammatory and fibroproliferative), and summarise the main points for the differential diagnosis with cardiogenic oedema, which is still challenging in the acute stage.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Diagnostic Imaging / methods*
  • Diagnostic Imaging / trends*
  • Edema, Cardiac / diagnosis
  • Humans
  • Lung / diagnostic imaging
  • Lung / pathology*
  • Radiography, Thoracic
  • Respiratory Distress Syndrome / diagnosis*
  • Respiratory Distress Syndrome / diagnostic imaging
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Ultrasonography