Adjuncts, such as expiratory images, prone images, and dynamic imaging of the airways, may be applied in certain clinical situations; therefore, knowledge of the suspected diagnosis is essential for planning the CT scan. MRI Chest MRI does not currently have a significant role in the evaluation of chronic dyspnea that is not of cardiovascular origin. However, MRI may play a role in the workup of congenital anomalies and diseases of the Reprint requests to: publications@acr.org Chronic Dyspnea-Noncardiovascular Origin cardiopulmonary axis where both pulmonary imaging and cardiac imaging are desired in a single examination, and in the tissue characterization and assessment of extent of thoracic lesions. FDG-PET/CT Skull Base to Mid-Thigh Functional information from PET using the tracer fluorine-18-2-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (FDG)/CT can complement morphologic information derived from chest radiographs and CT. Attempts have been made to determine the efficacy of FDG-PET/CT in the behavior of inflammatory cells, extent of active lung disease, and response to therapy [10]. To date, evidence is limited to small series and has not been subjected to use in pharmacologic trials. US Chest Transthoracic ultrasound (US) imaging can be used for assessment of the lung periphery and pleura. Major advantages include portability, ease of use, and real-time imaging capability. US can target abnormalities and complement other imaging studies. It is particularly suited to bedside evaluation. Examples of uses in chronic dyspnea include the assessment of pleural and chest wall pathology, peripheral lung abnormalities, evaluation of diaphragmatic function, and guidance of interventional procedures. Discussion of Procedures by Variant Variant 1: Chronic dyspnea. Unclear etiology. Initial imaging. Radiography Chest The chest radiograph should generally be the initial imaging study in chronic dyspnea. Pratter et al [11] reported that it added sufficient information to justify its routine use.
Chronic Dyspnea Noncardiovascular Origin. Adjuncts, such as expiratory images, prone images, and dynamic imaging of the airways, may be applied in certain clinical situations; therefore, knowledge of the suspected diagnosis is essential for planning the CT scan. MRI Chest MRI does not currently have a significant role in the evaluation of chronic dyspnea that is not of cardiovascular origin. However, MRI may play a role in the workup of congenital anomalies and diseases of the Reprint requests to: publications@acr.org Chronic Dyspnea-Noncardiovascular Origin cardiopulmonary axis where both pulmonary imaging and cardiac imaging are desired in a single examination, and in the tissue characterization and assessment of extent of thoracic lesions. FDG-PET/CT Skull Base to Mid-Thigh Functional information from PET using the tracer fluorine-18-2-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (FDG)/CT can complement morphologic information derived from chest radiographs and CT. Attempts have been made to determine the efficacy of FDG-PET/CT in the behavior of inflammatory cells, extent of active lung disease, and response to therapy [10]. To date, evidence is limited to small series and has not been subjected to use in pharmacologic trials. US Chest Transthoracic ultrasound (US) imaging can be used for assessment of the lung periphery and pleura. Major advantages include portability, ease of use, and real-time imaging capability. US can target abnormalities and complement other imaging studies. It is particularly suited to bedside evaluation. Examples of uses in chronic dyspnea include the assessment of pleural and chest wall pathology, peripheral lung abnormalities, evaluation of diaphragmatic function, and guidance of interventional procedures. Discussion of Procedures by Variant Variant 1: Chronic dyspnea. Unclear etiology. Initial imaging. Radiography Chest The chest radiograph should generally be the initial imaging study in chronic dyspnea. Pratter et al [11] reported that it added sufficient information to justify its routine use.