Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequences are numerous, and possible imaging planes are infinite. Each sequence is designed to provide specific information about function, anatomy, or tissue characteristics. Each sequence…
General Principles Cardiac computed tomography (CT) is a specialized form of chest CT. All the technical principles that govern the acquisition and reconstruction of chest CT also apply to cardiac…
Background Despite major advances in other imaging modalities, invasive cardiac catheterization remains a critical component of cardiovascular care. More than 1.1 million cardiac catheterization procedures, in addition to approximately 1.3…
Abstract A solitary lucent defect may result from a necrotic cavity, cyst, pneumatocele, or a loculated hydropneumothorax, but of these possibilities, a necrotic cavity is the most common. A necrotic…
Abstract The solitary pulmonary nodule is a common challenge for the radiologist. Size, location, and attenuation are important characteristics in determining perception and detectability of a nodule. Computed tomography (CT)…
Abstract Multiple lucent lesions are most often the result of infectious diseases. Multiple cavities frequently complicate virulent bacterial, tuberculous, and parasitic or fungal infections. Septic emboli cause multiple cavities that…
Abstract Pneumothorax is the most urgent cause of a hyperlucent thorax. Pneumothorax has a variety of causes ranging from trauma to rupture of pulmonary cavities, cysts, or bullae into the…
Abstract Multiple pulmonary nodules are most often metastases from a distant primary tumor, but they must be distinguished from a number of inflammatory and infectious diseases that may cause multiple…
Abstract Multifocal ill-defined opacities most often result from multiple consolidations but must be distinguished from invasive or hemorrhagic tumors. This is not a common appearance for community-acquired pneumonia, but when…
Abstract Diffuse fine nodules are the expected presentation of intravascular dissemination of tuberculosis, which is a life-threatening complication. Perception of the fine nodular opacities is often difficult and may require…
