Atypical Causes of Dyspnea: A Review of Neuromuscular and Chest Wall Disorders that Compromise Ventilation
Dyspnea is a common presenting symptom among patients with cardiopulmonary diseases. However, several neuromuscular and chest wall conditions are often overlooked and under-recognized causes of dyspnea. These disorders frequently adversely affect the structure and function of the ventilatory pump (diaphragm, accessory muscles of ventilation) and can precipitate respiratory failure despite normal lung parenchyma. Weakened musculature impairs clearance of airway secretions leading to aspiration and pneumonia, further compromising respiratory function. Radiologists should be aware of the pathophysiology and imaging manifestat...
Source: Journal of Thoracic Imaging - July 1, 2022 Category: Radiology Tags: Web Exclusive Content: Review Article Source Type: research
Quantification of Pneumothorax Volume on Chest X-Ray: A More Accurate Index Based On Measurements Made With 3D-printed Models
The objective of this study was to develop a more accurate index, using the 3D printing technology.
Materials and Methods:
We created physical hemithorax models using 3D printing. In this way, we obtained simple radiographs of models for which the lung volume was known accurately. In the first part of the study, we estimated the intraobserver and interobserver agreement as well as the agreement between methods. We created 2 new indices and the results obtained with these; the Light index and the Collins method were compared with data on real lung volume loss using linear regression analysis and by calculating the co...
Source: Journal of Thoracic Imaging - July 1, 2022 Category: Radiology Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research
A Challenge for Emphysema Quantification Using a Deep Learning Algorithm With Low-dose Chest Computed Tomography
Purpose:
We aimed to identify clinically relevant deep learning algorithms for emphysema quantification using low-dose chest computed tomography (LDCT) through an invitation-based competition.
Materials and Methods:
The Korean Society of Imaging Informatics in Medicine (KSIIM) organized a challenge for emphysema quantification between November 24, 2020 and January 26, 2021. Seven invited research teams participated in this challenge. In total, 558 pairs of computed tomography (CT) scans (468 pairs for the training set, and 90 pairs for the test set) from 9 hospitals were collected retrospectively or prospectivel...
Source: Journal of Thoracic Imaging - July 1, 2022 Category: Radiology Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research
The Normal Lung Index From Quantitative Computed Tomography for the Evaluation of Obstructive and Restrictive Lung Disease
Purpose:
Our objective was to evaluate whether the normal lung index (NLI) from quantitative computed tomography (QCT) analysis can be used to predict mortality as well as pulmonary function tests (PFTs) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and interstitial lung disease (ILD).
Materials and Methods:
Normal subjects (n=20) and patients with COPD (n=172) and ILD (n=114) who underwent PFTs and chest CT were enrolled retrospectively in this study. QCT measures included the NLI, defined as the ratio of the lung with attenuation between –950 and –700 Hounsfield units (HU) over the total ...
Source: Journal of Thoracic Imaging - July 1, 2022 Category: Radiology Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research
Diagnosis of Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension Using Quantitative Lung Perfusion Parameters Extracted From Dual-energy Computed Tomography Images
Purpose:
To evaluate quantified iodine mapping parameters in dual-energy computed tomography in normal patients versus those with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) with and without pulmonary thromboembolism.
Materials and Methods:
Using automatically quantified iodine mapping in dual-energy computed tomography, we evaluated lung relative average enhancement, standard deviation (SD), and the SD/lung relative average enhancement ratio. We compared the values for these parameters in normal patients versus those with CTEPH. We also performed a receiver operating characteristic curve analysis to d...
Source: Journal of Thoracic Imaging - July 1, 2022 Category: Radiology Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research
Normative Values of Pediatric Thoracic Aortic Diameters Indexed to Body Surface Area Using Computed Tomography
Purpose:
The purpose of this study was to establish normative values for the thoracic aorta diameter in pediatric patients from birth to 18 years of age using computed tomography (CT) measurements and to create nomograms related to body surface area (BSA).
Methods:
A total of 623 pediatric patients without cardiovascular disease (42.1% females; from 3 d to 18 y old) with high-quality, non–electrocardiogram-gated, contrast-enhanced CT imaging of the chest were retrospectively evaluated. Systematic measurements of the aortic diameter at predetermined levels were recorded, and demographic data including age, ...
Source: Journal of Thoracic Imaging - July 1, 2022 Category: Radiology Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research
Computed Tomography Pulmonary Angiography Utilization in the Emergency Department During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Purpose:
To determine if computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA) ordering increased significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic in an emergency department (ED) setting; if positive findings for pulmonary embolism (PE) increased to the same degree; and whether COVID-positive patients have a higher incidence of PE than COVID-negative patients at ED presentation.
Materials and Methods:
We conducted a retrospective review of CTPA performed in our ED between June and December in 2019 and 2020. We collected data on patient demographics, symptoms, COVID-19 status, lab and imaging results, and risk factors for P...
Source: Journal of Thoracic Imaging - July 1, 2022 Category: Radiology Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research
Coronary Artery Calcifications Are Associated With More Severe Multiorgan Failure in Patients With Severe Coronavirus Disease 2019 Infection: Longitudinal Results of the Maastricht Intensive Care COVID Cohort
Conclusion:
A greater extent of CAC is associated with a more severe multiorgan failure in mechanically ventilated coronavirus disease 2019 patients. (Source: Journal of Thoracic Imaging)
Source: Journal of Thoracic Imaging - July 1, 2022 Category: Radiology Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research
Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Guidance and Follow-up of Thoracic Needle Biopsies and Thermal Ablations
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is used for the guidance and follow-up of percutaneous minimally invasive interventions in many body parts. In the thorax, computed tomography (CT) is currently the most used imaging modality for the guidance and follow-up of needle biopsies and thermal ablations. Compared with CT, MRI provides excellent soft tissue contrast, lacks ionizing radiation, and allows functional imaging. The role of MRI is limited in the thorax due to the low hydrogen proton density and many air-tissue interfaces of the lung, as well as respiratory and cardiac motion. Here, we review the current experience of MR-...
Source: Journal of Thoracic Imaging - July 1, 2022 Category: Radiology Tags: Review Article Source Type: research
Radiology-Pathology Correlation in Coatomer Subunit Alpha Syndrome With Novel Findings of Pulmonary Lymphangiectasia
No abstract available (Source: Journal of Thoracic Imaging)
Source: Journal of Thoracic Imaging - April 28, 2022 Category: Radiology Tags: Web Exclusive Content: Commentary Source Type: research
Axillary Anatomy and Pathology: Pearls and “Pitfalls” for Thoracic Imagers
The axilla contains several important structures which exist in a relatively confined anatomic space between the neck, chest wall, and upper extremity. While neoplastic lymphadenopathy may be among the most common axillary conditions, many other processes may be encountered. For example, expanded use of axillary vessels for access routes for endovascular procedures will increase the need for radiologists to access vessel anatomy, patency, and complications that may arise. Knowledge of axillary anatomy and pathology will allow the imager to systematically evaluate the axillae using various imaging modalities. (Source: Journ...
Source: Journal of Thoracic Imaging - April 28, 2022 Category: Radiology Tags: Web Exclusive Content: Review Article Source Type: research
Prevalence of Burnout Among Cardiothoracic Radiologists: Stress Factors, Career Satisfaction, and Modality-specific Imaging Volumes
Conclusions:
The contributing factors to cardiothoracic radiologist burnout vary by sex, career stage, and practice setting. Several stressors, especially work-life balance, were associated with higher burnout prevalence. Most respondents expressed career-choice satisfaction. Defining threshold work volumes associated with higher rates of burnout is an important first step in defining burnout prevention guardrails. (Source: Journal of Thoracic Imaging)
Source: Journal of Thoracic Imaging - April 28, 2022 Category: Radiology Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research
Evaluation of Patients for Percutaneous Edge-to-edge Mitral Valve Repair: Comparison of Cardiac Computed Tomography Angiography With Transesophageal Echocardiography
Conclusions:
Our data suggest that evaluation of the mitral valve apparatus with CCTA in patients considered for PE2E is feasible, correlates well with TEE, and offers improved calcium visibility. In selected cases, additional information from CCTA may be helpful for achieving optimal interventional results. (Source: Journal of Thoracic Imaging)
Source: Journal of Thoracic Imaging - April 28, 2022 Category: Radiology Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research
Significance of Right-to-Left Ventricular Ratio as a Quantitative Computed Tomography Biomarker in Patients With Negative Computed Tomography Pulmonary Angiograms
Purpose:
The purpose of our study was to determine if the ratio of right–to-left ventricular diameter (RV/LV ratio) on computed tomography (CT) pulmonary angiograms (CTPA) is predictive of 90-day mortality in patients without pulmonary embolism (PE).
Materials and Methods:
This Institutional Review Board-approved single-institution retrospective study was performed on patients who underwent CTPA in the emergency or inpatient setting over a 1-year period. Right and left ventricular diameters were measured and RV/LV ratios calculated for patients without acute PE. Ratios greater than or equal to 0.9 were conside...
Source: Journal of Thoracic Imaging - April 28, 2022 Category: Radiology Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research
Evidence for Left Atrial Volume Being an Indicator of Adverse Events in Patients With Acute Pulmonary Embolism: Retrospective Case-control Pilot Study
Conclusion:
Among patients with acute PE, CTPA LA volume is the only imaging parameter associated with PE-related mortality and is the best imaging predictor of this outcome. Reduced CTPA LA volume and diameter, along with increased RA/LA volume and diameter ratios, are significantly associated with 30-day PE-related adverse events, but not with non–PE-related mortality. (Source: Journal of Thoracic Imaging)
Source: Journal of Thoracic Imaging - April 28, 2022 Category: Radiology Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research
