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A physiological approach to reading critical care unit films
Journal of Thoracic Imaging
|July 1, 1986
Summary
This review details radiologic methods for assessing pulmonary vascular pressure, flow, and edema. It introduces new techniques for calculating cardiac size and evaluating fluid changes, emphasizing the objectivity of radiographic data in clinical decisions.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Cardiopulmonary Imaging
- Medical Diagnostics
Background:
- Pulmonary edema and vascular abnormalities pose diagnostic challenges.
- Accurate assessment of cardiac size and fluid status is crucial for patient management.
- Post-operative complications like atelectasis and emphysema require careful radiologic evaluation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current radiologic techniques for evaluating pulmonary vascular pressure, flow, and edema.
- To present new methods for calculating true cardiac size from portable chest films.
- To discuss quantitation of intra- and extravascular water and improved assessment of left atrial pressure.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing radiologic literature and data.
- Introduction of novel calculations for cardiac dimensions.
- Presentation of anatomical observations related to specific post-operative complications.
Main Results:
- New data allow for more accurate calculation of "true" cardiac size from portable radiographs.
- Methods for quantitating changes in intra- and extravascular water are discussed.
- Anatomical insights are provided for understanding post-operative left lower lobe atelectasis and soft tissue emphysema.
Conclusions:
- Radiographic data are objective and can guide clinical decision-making.
- Discrepancies between radiologic and laboratory findings necessitate re-evaluation of laboratory data.
- Accurate radiologic assessment is vital for effective pulmonary and cardiac patient care.