Thoracic complications and emergencies in oncologic patients

Oncology patients often experience urgent or emergent medical complications that are a direct or indirect result of the underlying malignant condition and are first identified or clarified on radiologic imaging studies. The aim of this review is to identify, discuss, and illustrate some of the major thoracic complications in patients with primary intrathoracic or extrathoracic neoplasms; particular focus is placed on issues in which radiologic imaging may have a significant impact on patient management, including superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome, post-obstructive pneumonia, diaphragmatic paralysis, pleural effusions, pericardial disease, tracheo-esophageal fistula, deep venous thrombosis, and pulmonary embolism.