Radiology Key

The pleura may be affected by primary neoplasms or become involved by secondary spread of intrathoracic or extrathoracic tumors. Primary pleural tumors account for approximately 10% of all pleural neoplasms,…

Pneumothorax is the presence of air between the parietal and visceral pleura in the pleural cavity. It is caused most frequently by trauma or blunt or penetrating injury, which may…

Etiology Benign pleural thickening caused by fibrosis is the second most common pleural abnormality, the most common one being effusion. Pleural fibrosis has a number of causes and is the…

Mediastinal masses are relatively uncommon and include a wide variety of abnormalities of neoplastic, congenital, vascular, and lymphatic etiology that most radiologists encounter infrequently. Imaging plays a critical role in…

Chest radiography is the primary imaging modality used in the intensive care unit (ICU), given its portability, rapid image acquisition, and immediate bedside return of information on the preview screen….

Abnormalities of Diaphragmatic Motion: Diaphragmatic Paralysis, Weakness, and Eventration Etiology, Prevalence, and Epidemiology The diaphragm is the primary muscle of ventilation, and dysfunction of the diaphragm is an underrecognized cause…

Mediastinitis refers to a focal or diffuse inflammation of the tissues located in the mediastinum. The mediastinum lies between the right and left pleural cavities and extends from the thoracic…

Etiology, Prevalence, and Epidemiology Pneumomediastinum, also known as mediastinal emphysema, refers to the presence of free air or other gas in the mediastinal space. Pathologically, the major sources of entry…

Lung Transplantation Complications Lung transplantation can prolong life in a variety of diseases that cause progressive respiratory failure. As of 2015, more than 55,000 adult lung transplantations and almost 4000…

Blunt thoracic trauma is a common indication for hospital admission, with the predominant cause of trauma being motor vehicle collisions. The thorax is the fourth most injured area in unrestrained…