Imaging Considerations and Thoracic Diseases in Females.

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Thoracic Imaging
• Women's Health

Background:

• Female patients present unique physiological factors impacting chest imaging acquisition and interpretation.
• Pregnancy and lactation necessitate protocol modifications to minimize radiation exposure to mother and fetus.
• Specific conditions, including diffuse lung diseases, exclusively or disproportionately affect females.

Approach:

• This review synthesizes current knowledge on normal chest imaging findings and disease variations in female patients.
• It discusses general principles of thoracic imaging in women of reproductive age.
• The aim is to aid radiologists in accurate diagnosis and avoidance of pitfalls.

Key Points:

• Female-specific chest imaging findings related to conception, pregnancy, and gynecologic pathologies are discussed.
• Imaging protocols for pregnant and lactating patients require adjustments to ensure safety.
• Understanding unique disease presentations in females is crucial for accurate diagnosis.

Conclusions:

• Radiologists must consider female-specific physiological and pathological differences in chest imaging.
• Adherence to modified protocols and awareness of unique disease manifestations enhance diagnostic performance.
• This review provides a guide for optimizing thoracic imaging in women.