Imaging of the intensive care unit patient

Despite advances in "high tech," it is anticipated that plain chest film radiography will continue to play a significant role in the management of patients in the ICU. Digital radiography will most likely displace conventional approaches. As demonstrated throughout this article, CT has played an increasingly important role in the evaluation of the critically ill patient. The results are especially impressive, because most were obtained on earlier-generation CT machines, which are now totally outdated. Newer scanners have many technical improvements, including rapid scanning, which permits breathholding, and thin-section scanning, which has been discussed in great detail throughout this volume. Whether MR imaging will play an important role in ICU care remains to be determined.