PRINCIPLES OF DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING OF ACUTE PULMONARY INFECTIONS

Abstract

Pulmonary infections are not only among the most common clinical situations, encountered in outpatient and inpatient clinical care, that have high impact on patient health status, treatment and outcomes, but also a source of highmorbidity and mortality. Imaging plays an important role in establishing the diagnosis of pulmonary infection, which is one of the most common tasks in routine radiologic imaging. Early recognition and correct interpretation of radiologic signs and patterns can suggest a causative infectious agent and have impact on choosing specific treatment. The objective of this article is to discuss
common radiologic signs and patterns of pulmonary infection, in relation to the anatomic and pathophysiologic factors.