Introduction The mediastinum is bounded anteriorly by the sternum, posteriorly by the thoracic spine, laterally by the mediastinal pleura, superiorly by the thoracic inlet, and inferiorly by the diaphragm. It contains vital intrathoracic structures and organs, including the heart, aorta,…
Introduction Positron emission tomography (PET) has become an important imaging tool in thoracic oncology over the past 10 to 20 years. It has proven its usefulness in the diagnosis of malignancies, initial staging, assessing response to treatment, and posttreatment monitoring…
Introduction Uses of Thoracic Magnetic Resonance Imaging Chest radiography (CXR) and chest tomography (CT) have been the mainstays of thoracic imaging for decades, and 18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET)–CT has more recently proven its value in staging lung cancer and…
Normal Anatomy Trachea and Main Bronchi The trachea is a midline cartilaginous and fibromuscular tubular structure that extends from the inferior aspect of the cricoid cartilage to the carina. The intrathoracic length of the trachea normally ranges from 6 to…
Introduction This chapter reviews various x-ray–based techniques used in thoracic imaging, including radiography, fluoroscopy, digital tomosynthesis, and computed tomography (CT). Conventional, Computed, and Digital Radiography Merely 1 year after discovery of x-rays by Wilhelm Konrad Roentgen, calcium tungstate was chosen…
▪ Introduction Thoracic injury is a common sequela of acute trauma and is the third most common injury in trauma patients, after head and extremity injuries. The overall mortality rate approaches 25%, with acute aortic, tracheobronchial, and cardiac injuries often…
▪ Introduction Thoracic interventions are performed for the diagnosis and treatment of focal lesions in the thorax. Image-guided percutaneous biopsy is used to obtain tissue for the diagnosis of benign and malignant conditions. Drainage of fluid or air from the…
■ Lung Transplantation Since the first lung transplantation was performed in 1963, there have been major improvements in the surgical technique and posttransplantation management of organ recipients. Lung transplantation represents the only effective therapeutic option for many patients with advanced…
■ Introduction More than 8 million Americans each year present to the emergency department (ED) with acute chest pain. This poses a diagnostic challenge to physicians, who must distinguish patients with life-threatening conditions, including acute coronary syndrome (ACS), aortic dissection,…
■ Value of a Routine Daily Chest Radiograph in the Intensive Care Unit Determining Who Needs Imaging Imaging of an intensive care unit (ICU) patient can be a difficult task that relies on cooperation and teamwork among many members of…