Obstructive Lung Disease Obstructive lung diseases are characterized by progressive expiratory airway flow limitation and respiratory symptoms, including chronic cough, sputum production, and dyspnea. These diseases are common and associated…
Pulmonary Manifestations of Systemic Diseases Many systemic diseases have thoracic manifestations. In some patients the initial presentation of the disease can be abnormality on chest x-ray (CXR) or chest computed…
Thoracic Trauma Trauma is one of the leading causes of death and disability, often affecting young otherwise healthy individuals (1,2). Chest injuries are a significant contributor to trauma-related deaths and…
Other Thoracic Neoplasms This chapter covers a variety of benign and malignant thoracic neoplasms, arising with the airway, lung parenchyma, esophagus, and the lymphatic system, as well as metastases to…
Pulmonary Vascular Disease Pulmonary vascular disease is often overlooked as an etiology for chest pain and dyspnea. Conditions may be life threatening, in the case of acute pulmonary embolism (PE),…
Lines, Tubes, and Devices Intrathoracic lines, tubes, and devices are commonly placed, either temporarily or permanently, for the diagnosis, monitoring, or treatment of thoracic disease processes (Table 11.1). Although some…
The Central Airways Computed Tomography Techniques Imaging of the upper airways provides information that can lead to safer bronchoscopic evaluation, airway dilatation, or surgical repair for patients with airway compromise….
Thoracic Interventional Techniques Percutaneous Transthoracic Needle Biopsy Image-guided percutaneous transthoracic needle biopsy (PTNB) of the lung is an important procedure in the diagnosis of thoracic and extrathoracic malignancies. It is…
Pneumonia in the Immunocompetent Host Despite advances in medicine, pneumonia remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality. It affects six million American adults each year. With a mortality rate…
Thoracic Imaging in the Critically Ill Imaging of the thorax in critically ill and/or intensive care unit (ICU) patients has an important role in successful patient management. Portable chest radiography…
