Bridging the Gap: A Comprehensive Review of Radiology and Pathology in Acute Lung Injury

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a life-threatening condition characterized by widespread inflammation in the lungs. It is associated with high mortality and morbidity in critically ill patients. ARDS are conditions that cause acute respiratory failure due to noncardiogenic pulmonary edema, leading to severe hypoxemia and diffuse, bilateral lung injury. These conditions represent a spectrum of lung injury with varying severity and complexity. ARDS is a more severe form of ALI. ALI can also describe a range of clinical and paraclinical findings that include one or both pathologic patterns of organizing pneumonia (OP) or diffuse alveolar damage (DAD). The pathologic correlate of ARDS is DAD. This damage can be triggered by various risk factors, including pneumonia, sepsis, trauma, and the inhalation of harmful substances. The alveolar capillary damage that accompanies DAD leads to a loss in barrier function and is associated with the accumulation of fluid into the alveolar space. This fluid accumulation (pulmonary edema), along with subsequent organization and scarring, impairs gas exchange, which leads to hypoxemia and respiratory failure. Despite advances in understanding the pathophysiology of ARDS and improvements in supportive care, the mortality rates from ARDS still range from 25% to 45%. It is crucial to recognize that radiographic and histologic findings in a patient with ARDS can vary significantly depending on the phase of the disease. This is because the pathophysiological processes underlying these conditions evolve over time, leading to changes in both clinical presentation and imaging findings. Misinterpretation of these findings could lead to incorrect diagnoses and inappropriate treatment strategies. Therefore, understanding the temporal evolution of this condition is essential for accurate diagnosis and effective management. Our paper seeks to examine the existing literature focusing on radiology and pathology at different phases of injury and resolution to enhance management of ARDS.