Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 20, 2026

Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension and Assessment of Right Ventricular Function in the Piglet
09:22

Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension and Assessment of Right Ventricular Function in the Piglet

Published on: November 4, 2015

[Thoracic findings in pediatric patients with cystic fibrosis]

R Wunsch1, C Wunsch

  • 1Abteilung Radiologie, Vestische Kinder- und Jugendklinik, Universität Witten/Herdecke, Datteln. R.Wunsch@kinderklinik-datteln.de

Der Radiologe
|December 12, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disorder affecting fluid balance, leading to lung disease. Improved diagnostics and treatments have increased life expectancy for CF patients.

Area of Science:

  • Genetics and Molecular Biology
  • Respiratory Medicine
  • Medical Imaging

Context:

  • Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most prevalent autosomal recessive metabolic disease in Europe.
  • Lung disease severity is the primary determinant of morbidity and mortality in CF patients.
  • Advances in diagnostics and therapeutics have significantly improved CF patient life expectancy.

Purpose:

  • To summarize the underlying pathology of cystic fibrosis.
  • To review current and emerging radiological diagnostic tools for CF lung disease.

Summary:

  • CF results from a defect on chromosome 7, impacting cell membrane fluid balance (chloride and sodium transport).
  • This defect causes viscous mucus buildup in exocrine glands, obstructing airways and leading to lung infections and parenchymal destruction.
  • While chest X-ray remains standard, CT offers earlier and more precise morphological changes, and MRI shows promise for functional assessment.

Impact:

  • Enhanced understanding of CF pathophysiology.
  • Highlights the evolving role of medical imaging in CF diagnosis and management.
  • Informs future research directions for CF imaging modalities.

More Related Videos

Acquiring Hyperpolarized 129Xe Magnetic Resonance Images of Lung Ventilation09:08

Acquiring Hyperpolarized 129Xe Magnetic Resonance Images of Lung Ventilation

Published on: November 21, 2023

Implementation of Non-invasive Point of Care Transient Elastography for Evaluation of Liver Disease in Pediatric Populations with Cystic Fibrosis05:56

Implementation of Non-invasive Point of Care Transient Elastography for Evaluation of Liver Disease in Pediatric Populations with Cystic Fibrosis

Published on: August 29, 2025

Related Concept Videos

Cystic Fibrosis: Pathogenesis01:23

Cystic Fibrosis: Pathogenesis

Cystic fibrosis (CF), an autosomal recessive disorder, significantly affects the function of exocrine glands. This genetically inherited disease is characterized by the production of thick and sticky mucus, which can severely affect various organs and systems in the body.
CF is primarily caused by a genetic mutation in a chromosome 7 gene coding for the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein. The most common gene mutation leading to CF is the ΔF508 mutation, but...
Cystic Fibrosis: Management01:24

Cystic Fibrosis: Management

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an autosomal recessive disorder that predominantly affects individuals of Northern European descent, occurring at a rate of 1 in 3500. It is caused by a genetic mutation in a gene on chromosome 7, most commonly the ΔF508 mutation, that codes for the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein. This results in thicker mucus secretions and obstruction pathologies in multiple organs, including the lungs and sinuses.
Sinus disease and chronic sinusitis...
Physical Assessment of the Respiratory Tract II: Inspection01:27

Physical Assessment of the Respiratory Tract II: Inspection

Physical assessment of the respiratory tract through inspection is a crucial step in understanding the patient's respiratory health. It provides insights into the functioning of the respiratory system, the musculoskeletal structure, and even the patient's nutritional status. This comprehensive approach involves observing several vital aspects: chest configuration, breathing patterns, respiratory rates, skin color, and use of accessory muscles.
Chest Configuration
The chest configuration can...
Physical Assessment of the Respiratory Tract II: Palpation01:24

Physical Assessment of the Respiratory Tract II: Palpation

Physical assessment of the respiratory tract is critical in identifying potential health issues. One key component of this assessment is palpation, a technique healthcare providers use to assess the body for abnormalities. This content explores the method of palpation in evaluating the respiratory tract, focusing on thoracic palpation and tactile fremitus.
Thoracic Palpation
Thoracic palpation detects tenderness, masses, lesions, respiratory excursions, and vocal fremitus. The nurse assesses...
Respiratory System Abnormal Finding I: Inspection and Percussion01:30

Respiratory System Abnormal Finding I: Inspection and Percussion

Respiratory system abnormalities are a significant concern in healthcare due to their potential to indicate underlying severe conditions like Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), asthma, and pneumonia. These abnormalities can often be detected through physical examination methods like inspection and percussion.
Inspection Findings
During an inspection, several findings may suggest the presence of respiratory distress or disease. Pursed-lip breathing, where exhalation is slowed by...
Flail Chest-II01:26

Flail Chest-II

Managing flail chest, a condition characterized by a segment of the chest wall moving independently from the rest of the thoracic cage, requires a comprehensive approach. It includes a thorough assessment of the patient's condition, a diagnostic evaluation to determine the extent of the injury, and the implementation of appropriate medical interventions tailored to the individual's needs.
Assessment:
1. Clinical Evaluation:
History: