Chest X-Ray, CT, or MRI?
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.