Radiographic imaging of the pulmonary hila

Evaluation of the pulmonary hila is an important but difficult aspect of chest radiology. The posteroanterior (PA) and lateral chest radiographs are useful in screening patients, but further evaluation of questionable abnormalities is often required. We review the strengths and weaknesses of each of the different imaging modalities used to assess the hila, including conventional tomograms, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).