In this talk, we focus on choosing the most suitable chest imaging study among X-rays (CXR), CT scans, and MRIs. CXRs are fast, accessible, and useful for conditions like tube placement, pleural effusions, and fractures but may be insufficient in the setting of trauma, aortic dissections, or metastases as their ability to characterize anatomy is limited by their 2 dimensional nature. CT scans permit 3D visualization of anatomy but involve radiation exposure and are costlier. Different types of CTs cater to various needs, and choosing the right one depends on clinical circumstances. MRIs excel in soft tissue differentiation and don't use radiation, but have limitations with metal implants, certain organs, and take longer. Overall, each imaging modality has strengths and limitations, and understanding their utility is crucial for appropriate patient care.
In this talk, we review the crucial role of portable chest X-rays (CXRs) in managing inpatients experiencing respiratory distress, and how CXRs are a valuable diagnostic tool for narrowing down the differential diagnosis. We emphasize how CXRs complement other diagnostic exams, outline their capabilities and limitations in the inpatient setting, and review key imaging features indicative of common causes of inpatient respiratory distress. Our talk concludes by highlighting additional diagnostic tests like EKG and ABG and outlining potential interventions based on the identified causes of respiratory distress.
Some of the case images in this talk appear courtesy of Ahmed El-Sherief, MD
Armed with a basic understanding of pathophysiology and how well ventilation, blood perfusion, and lymphatic clearance work in different regions of the lungs, you can have a much better shot at remembering or making educated guesses about the geographic distributions of many lung diseases you’ll encounter.
Companion Anki Deck for this talk: