Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 6, 2026
02:09
Multi-modal Pulmonary Imaging: Using Complementary Information from CT and Hyperpolarized 129Xe MRI to Evaluate Lung Structure-Function
Published on: April 12, 2024
Understanding Air in the Body: A Radiologic Perspective on Emphysematous and Traumatic Conditions
Lokesh Rana1, Mansi Sharma2, Pooja Gurnal3
1Department of Radiology, AIIMS, Bilaspur.
Summary
Abnormal air in tissues, including emphysematous infections and trauma, is a critical radiologic finding. Computed tomography (CT) is essential for accurate diagnosis and management of these potentially fatal conditions.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Medical Imaging
- Pathology
Background:
- Abnormal air collections in body tissues, known as emphysematous conditions and traumatic air-related issues, are uncommon but critical radiologic findings.
- Causes range from gas-forming infections to trauma and iatrogenic injuries, necessitating prompt diagnosis to prevent severe morbidity and mortality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To detail the computed tomography (CT) imaging features of emphysematous infections (e.g., pyelonephritis, pancreatitis) and traumatic air-related conditions (e.g., pneumocephalus, pneumothorax).
- To elucidate the etiopathogenesis and clinical significance of these diverse air-related pathologies.
Main Methods:
- A pictorial review of emphysematous and traumatic air-related conditions diagnosed via CT was conducted.
- Cases from July 2024 to June 2025 were analyzed for imaging findings, clinical parameters, and patient outcomes, correlated with existing literature.
Main Results:
- Emphysematous infections and trauma-related conditions, such as tension pneumocephalus and pneumomediastinum, carry a high mortality risk.
- Computed tomography (CT) proved highly sensitive for diagnosis and severity stratification.
Conclusions:
- Abnormal air patterns on CT are critical diagnostic indicators in radiology.
- Understanding these characteristic imaging signs and their clinical relevance enables early intervention and improved patient management.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Radiological Investigation II: MRI and Ventilation Perfusion Scan
Description
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Ventilation Perfusion Scans are two radiological investigations that offer detailed diagnostic images of the body, particularly lung structures.
MRI
MRI uses magnetic fields and radiofrequency signals to distinguish between normal and abnormal tissues. This technology provides a more detailed diagnostic image than CT scans, enabling it to characterize pulmonary nodules, stage bronchogenic carcinoma, and evaluate inflammatory activity in...
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Ventilation Perfusion Scans are two radiological investigations that offer detailed diagnostic images of the body, particularly lung structures.
MRI
MRI uses magnetic fields and radiofrequency signals to distinguish between normal and abnormal tissues. This technology provides a more detailed diagnostic image than CT scans, enabling it to characterize pulmonary nodules, stage bronchogenic carcinoma, and evaluate inflammatory activity in...
01:23Assessment of Respiration
The respiratory system's basic structures and primary functions lay the foundation for nurses' comprehensive respiratory assessments. This assessment includes subjective and objective data to gauge the patient's respiratory health.
Subjective Assessment: Nurses interview the patient to gather information directly during the subjective assessment. It includes questions about the individual's medical history, medications, and symptoms, focusing on past respiratory conditions like asthma or COPD,...
Subjective Assessment: Nurses interview the patient to gather information directly during the subjective assessment. It includes questions about the individual's medical history, medications, and symptoms, focusing on past respiratory conditions like asthma or COPD,...
01:26Pneumothorax-I
A pneumothorax is a condition where air builds up in the space between the lung and the chest wall, causing the lung to collapse. This condition arises when air enters the space between the parietal and visceral pleura, disrupting the negative pressure essential for lung inflation. This can lead to a partial or complete collapse of the lung.
Pneumothorax can be even further classified as spontaneous, traumatic, and tension pneumothorax.
Pneumothorax can be even further classified as spontaneous, traumatic, and tension pneumothorax.
01:23Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease II: Emphysema
Emphysema, a major phenotype of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), is characterized by irreversible destruction of alveolar walls and permanent enlargement of distal airspaces. Unlike chronic bronchitis, which primarily affects the airways, emphysema predominantly involves the lung parenchyma, where structural damage leads to airflow limitation.PathophysiologyIt most commonly results from prolonged exposure to cigarette smoke and other toxic gases, particularly cigarette smoke.
01:27Pneumothorax-II
Pneumothorax is a medical condition defined by the buildup of air in the pleural space between the lungs and the chest wall. This accumulation of air can lead to partial or complete lung collapse, resulting in a range of clinical manifestations. Understanding the clinical presentation and effective management strategies is crucial for healthcare professionals in providing timely and appropriate care to individuals with pneumothorax.
Clinical Manifestations:
Clinical Manifestations:
01:08Pneumothorax II: Pathophysiology
Pneumothorax means the presence of air in the pleural space — the thin potential gap between the visceral and parietal pleura. This condition disrupts the normal pressure balance that keeps the lungs inflated, leading to partial or complete collapse of the affected lung.Normal physiologyUnder normal conditions, the pleural space maintains a slightly negative intrapleural pressure, which keeps the lungs expanded against the chest wall. This negative pressure creates a delicate balance between...