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Updated: Mar 19, 2026
Imaging Features of Systemic Sclerosis-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease
Published on: June 16, 2020
Imaging in vascular diseases of the lung
Sebastian Ley1, Julia Ley-Zaporozhan
1aInstitute of Clinical Radiology, Ludwig-Maximilians University Hospital Munich bRadiology Isar Medizin Zentrum, Munich, Germany.
Purpose Of Review:
The present review focuses on the recent developments in the field of pulmonary angiography and perfusion by means of computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging.
Recent Findings:
Computed tomography allows for a detailed analysis of large and small pulmonary vascular pathologies and simultaneously allows for evaluation of the lung parenchyma. Magnetic resonance imaging allows for large and small vessel evaluation as well as noninvasive pressure assessment. Furthermore, recently non-breath-hold contrast-enhanced and noncontrast-enhanced techniques have been developed making magnetic resonance imaging an ideal tool for comprehensive thoracic imaging, even in challenging patients.
Summary:
Noninvasive imaging using computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging further increases their value in daily clinical practice when it comes to assessment of large and small pulmonary artery disease. As computed tomography is more easy to use and widely available, it remains the diagnostic modality of choice. However, magnetic resonance imaging is the modality of choice when a comprehensive angiographic and functional assessment is deemed necessary.
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