Journal of thoracic imaging
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The COVID-19 global pandemic has emerged as an unprecedented health care crisis. To reduce risks of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 transmission in the Radiology Department, this article describes measures to increase the preparedness of Radiology Department, such as careful screening of staff and patients, thorough disinfection of equipments and rooms, appropriate use of personal protection equipment, and early isolation of patients with incidentally detected computed tomography findings suspicious for COVID-19. The familiarity of radiologists with clinical and imaging manifestations of COVID-19 pneumonia and their prognostic implications is essential to provide optimal care to patients.
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Review
Computed Tomography Features of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): A Review for Radiologists.
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia has become a global pandemic. Although the rate of new infections in China has decreased, currently, 169 countries report confirmed cases, with many nations showing increasing numbers daily. Testing for COVID-19 infection is performed via reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, but availability is limited in many parts of the world. ⋯ Specifically, patchy ground-glass opacities in the periphery of the lower lungs may be present initially, eventually undergoing coalescence, consolidation, and organization, and ultimately showing features of fibrosis. In this article, we review the computed tomography features of COVID-19 infection. Familiarity with these findings and their evolution will help radiologists recognize potential COVID-19 and recognize the significant overlap with other causes of acute lung injury.
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With the introduction of modern imaging technology into the forensic field, postmortem imaging, particularly postmortem computed tomography (PMCT), has gained increasing importance in forensic investigations of deaths. In recent years, PMCT, which aims to provide observer-independent, reproducible forensic assessment in a minimally invasive manner, has been incorporated into routine forensic practice in many medicolegal institutions worldwide as a complement to autopsy. To address questions with regard to vascular pathologies, postmortem computed tomography angiography (PMCTA) has been developed and has become a useful tool for exploring the vascular system. ⋯ Adequate image interpretation requires knowledge and understanding of postmortem changes in the body and artefacts related to PMCT and PMCTA. This article reviews the PMCT and PMCTA techniques in terms of their indications, applications, advantages, and limitations for cardiothoracic applications. Our findings will enhance readers' understanding of emerging CT techniques in forensic radiology.
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Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a condition characterized by progressive airflow limitation caused by airway and parenchymal inflammation. Current medical therapies, including bronchodilators, corticosteroids, and anti-inflammatory medications, have been shown to variably improve pulmonary function or quality of life without providing a long-term mortality benefit. Mortality benefits to therapy have been demonstrated in only 2 therapeutic interventions to date: long-term use of daily supplemental oxygen and surgical lung volume reduction (LVRS) for upper-lobe-predominant disease in patients with a low baseline exercise capacity. ⋯ To achieve successful results, these advanced therapies require an interdisciplinary approach between general and interventional pulmonologists and thoracic radiologists. In this article, we aim to review the latest interventional pulmonary techniques for treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with an emphasis on bLVR. We will review the bLVR preprocedure imaging evaluation, postprocedure imaging findings, and explore the potential benefits and risks of therapy based on the most recent clinical trial evidence.
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While lung cancer screening has been implemented in the United States, it is still under consideration in Europe. So far, lung cancer screening trials in Europe were not able to replicate the results of the National Lung Screening Trial, but they do show a stage shift in the lung cancers that were detected. ⋯ However, there is still a debate with regard to the design of future lung cancer screening programs in Europe. This review summarizes the latest evidence of European lung cancer screening trials and gives an overview of the essence of recommendations from the different European medical societies and countries.