Disorders with Ophthalmic and Thoracic Involvement.

A variety of systemic conditions involve the thorax and the eyes. While subtle or nonspecific eye symptoms can be the initial clinical manifestation of some disorders, there can be additional manifestations in the thorax that lead to a specific diagnosis and affect patient outcomes. For instance, the initial clinical manifestation of Sjögren syndrome is dry eye or xerophthalmia; however, the presence of Sjögren lung disease represents a fourfold increase in mortality. Likewise, patients with acute sarcoidosis can initially present with pain and redness of the eye from uveitis in addition to fever and parotitis. Nearly 90% of patients with sarcoidosis have thoracic involvement, and the ophthalmologic symptoms can precede the thoracic symptoms by several years in some cases. Furthermore, a diagnosis made in one system can result in the screening of other organs as well as prompt genetic evaluation and examination of family members, such as in the setting of Marfan syndrome or Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. Multimodality imaging, particularly CT and MRI, plays a vital role in identification and characterization of these conditions. While it is helpful for ophthalmologists to be knowledgeable about these conditions and their associations so that they can order the pertinent radiologic studies, it is also important for radiologists to use the clues from ophthalmologic examination in addition to imaging findings to suggest a specific diagnosis. Systemic conditions with thoracic and ophthalmologic manifestations can be categorized as infectious, inflammatory, autoimmune, neoplastic, or hereditary in origin. The authors describe a spectrum of these conditions based on their underlying cause. ©RSNA, 2024.

Li-Fraumeni Syndrome: Imaging Features and Guidelines.

Li-Fraumeni syndrome (LFS) is a rare autosomal dominant familial cancer syndrome caused by germline mutations of the tumor protein p53 gene (TP53), which encodes the p53 transcription factor, also known as the "guardian of the genome." The most common types of cancer found in families with LFS include sarcomas, leukemia, breast malignancies, brain tumors, and adrenocortical cancers. Osteosarcoma and rhabdomyosarcoma are the most common sarcomas. Patients with LFS are at increased risk of developing early-onset gastric and colon cancers. They are also at increased risk for several other cancers involving the thyroid, lungs, ovaries, and skin. The lifetime risk of cancer in individuals with LFS is greater than 70% in males and greater than 90% in females. Some patients with LFS develop multiple primary cancers during their lifetime, and guidelines have been established for screening these patients. Whole-body MRI is the preferred modality for annual screening of these patients. The management guidelines for patients with LFS vary, as these individuals are more susceptible to developing radiation-induced cancers-for example, women with LFS and breast cancer are treated with total mastectomy instead of lumpectomy with radiation to the breast. The authors review the role of imaging, imaging guidelines, and imaging features of tumors in the setting of LFS. ©RSNA, 2024 Supplemental material is available for this article.

Imaging Findings on Head Computed Tomography Scans in Victims of Intimate Partner Violence.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study is to analyze the imaging findings and injury patterns seen on head computed tomography (CT) examinations performed on survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV). METHODS: An institutional review board-approved retrospective analysis of 668 patients reporting IPV to our institution's violence intervention and prevention program between January 2013 and June 2018 identified 40 unique patients with radiological findings visible on head CT. All injuries visible on head CT were analyzed based on the anatomic location and injury type. Demographics, IPV screening at the time of injury, concomitant, prior, and subsequent injuries to the index head injury were also recorded. RESULTS: Our study cohort had 36 women and 4 men with a mean age at presentation of 43 ± 13 years (mean ± SD), 91 unique injuries with 57 (62.6%) isolated soft tissue injuries, 4 (3.2%) fractures, 13 (14.3%) intra-axial, and 17 (18.7%) extra-axial injuries. Soft tissue injuries and intra-axial injuries occurred most commonly in the frontal region (45.6% and 38.5%), followed by the parietal region (22.8% and 23.1%), while most extra-axial injuries were subdural hematomas (41.2%). Left-sided injuries accounted for 49% (45/91) with 29/91 right-sided (32%) and 17/91 bilateral (19%) injuries. The IPV screening occurred in 44% of injury visits (22/50). Concomitant injuries were seen in 14/50 injury visits (28%), most commonly being in the lower extremity (6/14, 42.9% [% of visits with concomitant injuries]) followed by the upper extremity (5/14, 35.7%), while 52% of visits (26/50) were preceded by prior injuries and 68% of events (34/50) were followed by subsequent injuries. CONCLUSIONS: Isolated soft tissue swelling is the most common manifestation of IPV on head CT scans with frontoparietal region being the most common site. Synchronous and metachronous injuries are frequent.

Imaging patterns of thoracic injuries in survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV).

PURPOSE: To recognize the imaging patterns of thoracic injuries in survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective radiological review of 688 patients self-reporting IPV to our institution's violence intervention and prevention program between January 2013 and June 2018 identified 30 patients with 89 thoracic injuries. Imaging and demographic data were collected. RESULTS: Thirty survivors with 89 injuries to the thorax were identified with a median age of 43.5 years (21-65 years). IPV was reported or disclosed as the direct cause of injury in 50% (15/30) of survivors, including all nine patients who sustained penetrating injuries. The most common injury type was fracture (72%, 64/89) with 52 rib, 3 sternal, 2 clavicular, and 7 vertebral fractures. There were 3 acromioclavicular dislocations. Among rib fractures, right lower anterior rib fractures (9-12 ribs) were the most common(30%, 16/52). There were 10 superficial soft tissue injuries. There were 12 deep tissue injuries which included 2 lung contusions, 2 pneumomediastinum, 7 pneumothoraces, 1 hemothorax. One third of patients had concomitant injuries of other organ systems, most commonly to the head and face, followed by extremities and one third of patients had metachronous injuries. CONCLUSION: Acute rib fractures with concomitant injuries to the head, neck, face, and extremities with an unclear mechanism of injury should prompt the radiologist to discuss the possibility of IPV with the ordering physician. ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE: Recognizing common injuries to the thorax will prompt the radiologists to suspect IPV and discuss it with the clinicians.

Longitudinal imaging history in early identification of intimate partner violence.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the imaging findings of intimate partner violence (IPV)-related injury and to evaluate the role of longitudinal imaging review in detecting IPV. METHODS: Radiology studies were reviewed in chronological order and IPV-related injuries were recorded among 400 victims of any type of abuse (group 1) and 288 of physical abuse (group 2) from January 2013 to June 2018. The likelihood of IPV was assessed as low/moderate/high based on the review of (1) current and prior anatomically related studies only and (2) longitudinal imaging history consisting of all prior studies. The first radiological study date with moderate/high suspicion was compared to the self-reported date by the victim. RESULTS: A total of 135 victims (33.8%) in group 1 and 144 victims (50%) in group 2 demonstrated IPV-related injuries. Musculoskeletal injury was most common (58.2% and 44.5% in groups 1 and 2, respectively; most commonly lower/upper extremity fractures), followed by neurologic injury (20.9% and 32.9% in groups 1 and 2, respectively; most commonly facial injury). With longitudinal imaging history, radiologists were able to identify IPV in 31% of group 1 and 46.5% of group 2 patients. Amongst these patients, earlier identification by radiologists was provided compared to the self-reported date in 62.3% of group 1 (median, 64 months) and in 52.6% of group 2 (median, 69.3 months). CONCLUSIONS: Musculoskeletal and neurological injuries were the most common IPV-related injuries. Knowledge of common injuries and longitudinal imaging history may help IPV identification when victims are not forthcoming. KEY POINTS: • Musculoskeletal injuries were the most common type of IPV-related injury, followed by neurological injuries. • With longitudinal imaging history, radiologists were able to better raise the suspicion of IPV compared to the selective review of anatomically related studies only. • With longitudinal imaging history, radiologists were able to identify IPV earlier than the self-reported date by a median of 64 months in any type of abuse, and a median of 69.3 months in physical abuse.

COVID-19 ARDS: a review of imaging features and overview of mechanical ventilation and its complications.

The first cluster of cases of COVID-19 pneumonia was reported on December 31, 2019. Since then, this disease has spread rapidly across the world, and as of September 17, 2021, there are 226,844,344 cases of COVID-19 worldwide with 4,666,334 deaths related to COVID-19. While most COVID-19 cases are mild, some cases are severe with patients developing acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The pathophysiology of ARDS includes damage to the alveolar epithelium that leads to increased permeability of the alveolar epithelial barrier causing hyaline membrane formation, interstitial edema, and alveolar edema that results in severe hypoxia. Patients with COVID-19 ARDS are supported by non-invasive or invasive mechanical ventilation with an aim to improve oxygenation and maintain adequate blood oxygen levels. Increased intra-alveolar pressure while on mechanical ventilation may lead to alveolar rupture and thus barotrauma-related injuries such as lung tension cysts, pulmonary interstitial emphysema (PIE), pneumomediastinum, pneumopericardium, and pneumothorax. Recent studies have shown that the rate of barotrauma-related events is higher in patients with COVID-19 ARDS compared to patients with ARDS secondary to other etiologies. Radiologists should be aware of the imaging features of COVID-19 ARDS as well as the complications of mechanical ventilation. This educational manuscript will review the features of COVID-19 ARDS, discuss imaging of patients on mechanical ventilation, and review the imaging features of complications related to mechanical ventilation, including ventilator-associated lung injuries.

Facial injury patterns in victims of intimate partner violence.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the imaging findings of facial injuries in patients reporting intimate partner violence (IPV). METHODS: A retrospective review of radiology studies performed for 668 patients reporting IPV to our institution's violence prevention support program identified 96 patients with 152 facial injuries. Demographics, imaging findings, and clinical data obtained from a review of the electronic medical records (EMR) were analyzed to categorize injury patterns. RESULTS: The study cohort consisted of 93 women and 3 men with a mean age of 35 years (range 19-76; median 32). At the time of presentation, 57 (59.3%) patients reported IPV as the mechanism of injury. The most frequent site of injury was the midface, seen in 65 (67.7%) patients. The most common fracture sites were the nasal bones (45/152, 29.6%), followed by the mandible (17/152, 11.1%), and orbits (16/152, 10.5%). Left-sided injuries were more common (90/152; 59.2%). A vast majority of fractures (94.5%) showed minimal or no displacement. Over one-third of injuries (60/152, 39.4%) demonstrated only soft tissue swelling or hematoma without fracture. Associated injuries were seen most frequently in the upper extremity, occurring synchronously in 11 (11.4%) patients, and preceding the index facial injury in 20 (21%) patients. CONCLUSION: /advances in knowledge. The midface was the most frequent location of injury in victims of intimate partner violence, and the nasal bone was the most commonly fractured facial bone. Recognizing these injury patterns can help radiologists suspect IPV and prompt them to discuss the possibility of IPV with the clinical providers.

Exacerbation of Physical Intimate Partner Violence during COVID-19 Pandemic.

Background Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a global social and public health problem, but published literature regarding the exacerbation of physical IPV during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is lacking. Purpose To assess the incidence, patterns, and severity of injuries in IPV victims during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 compared with the prior 3 years. Materials and Methods The demographics, clinical presentation, injuries, and radiologic findings of patients reporting physical abuse arising from IPV during the statewide COVID-19 pandemic between March 11 and May 3, 2020, were compared with data from the same period for the past 3 years. Pearson χ2 and Fisher exact tests were used for analysis. Results A total of 26 victims of physical IPV from 2020 (mean age, 37 years ± 13 [standard deviation]; 25 women) were evaluated and compared with 42 victims of physical IPV (mean age, 41 years ± 15; 40 women) from 2017 to 2019. Although the overall number of patients who reported IPV decreased during the pandemic, the incidence of physical IPV was 1.8 times greater (95% CI: 1.1, 3.0; P = .01). The total number of deep injuries was 28 during 2020 versus 16 from 2017 to 2019; the number of deep injuries per victim was 1.1 during 2020 compared with 0.4 from 2017 to 2019 (P < .001). The incidence of high-risk abuse defined by mechanism was two times greater in 2020 (95% CI: 1.2, 4.7; P = .01). Patients who experienced IPV during the COVID-19 pandemic were more likely to be White; 17 (65%) victims in 2020 were White compared with 11 (26%) in the prior years (P = .007). Conclusion There was a higher incidence and severity of physical intimate partner violence (IPV) during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic compared with the prior 3 years. These results suggest that victims of IPV delayed reaching out to health care services until the late stages of the abuse cycle during the COVID-19 pandemic. © RSNA, 2020.

Upper extremity injuries in the victims of intimate partner violence.

OBJECTIVES: To recognize most common patterns of upper extremity (UE) injuries in victims of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV). METHODS: Radiological review of 308 patients who reported physical IPV at our institution from January 2013 to June 2018, identified 55 patients with 88 unique UE injuries. Demographic data and injury patterns and associations were collected from the electronic medical records. RESULTS: The cohort included 49 females and 6 males (age 19-63, mean 38). At the time of injury, IPV was reported in 15/88 (17%) and IPV screening was documented for 22/88 (25%) injuries. There were 46 fractures, 8 dislocations or subluxations, and 34 isolated soft tissue injuries, most commonly involving the hand (56/88). Fractures most commonly involved the fingers (21/46, 46%) and the 5th digit (8/27, 30%). Medial UE fractures (5th digit, 4th digit) constituted 44% of hand and finger fractures (12/27) and 26% of all fractures (12/46). Comminuted and displaced fractures were rare (8/46, 17%). Head and face injuries were the most common concomitant injuries (9/22, 41%) and subsequent injuries (21/61, 35%). Of 12 patients with recurrent UE injuries, 6 had recurrent injuries of the same hand. Five of 6 non-acute fractures (83%) were of the hand. CONCLUSIONS: Hand and finger injuries are the most common UE injuries in patients with IPV, with finger being the most common site and medial hand the most common region of fracture. Repeated injuries involving the same site and a combination of medial hand and head or face injuries could indicate IPV. KEY POINTS: • Upper extremity injuries in victims of intimate partner violence are most commonly seen in the hand and fingers. • Fingers are the most common site of fracture and the medial hand is the most common region of fracture in the upper extremity in victims of intimate partner violence. • In intimate partner violence victims with upper extremity injuries, concomitant injuries and subsequent injuries are most commonly seen in the head and neck region.

Imaging patterns of lower extremity injuries in victims of intimate partner violence (IPV).

PURPOSE: To describe the pattern and distribution of lower extremity injuries in victims of intimate partner violence (IPV). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective radiological review of 688 patients reporting IPV to our institution's violence intervention and prevention program between January 2013 and June 2018 identified 88 patients with 154 lower extremity injuries. All lower extremity injuries visible on radiological studies were analyzed. Concomitant, recurrent, and associated injuries were also collected, in addition to the demographic data. RESULTS: The injuries consisted of 103 fractures, 46 soft tissue injuries, and 5 dislocations. The foot was the most common site of injury representing 39% (60/154) of total injuries, 48% (49/103) of fractures, 17% (8/46) of soft tissue injuries, and 3 dislocations. The ankle was the second most common site of injury representing 30% (47/154) of total injuries, 20% (21/103) of fractures, and 57% (26/46) of soft tissue injuries. Recurrent injuries of the lower extremity were seen in 30% (26/88) of victims who had 74 recurrent injuries. The most common sites of recurrent injury were the foot and ankle, representing 72% (53/74) of recurrent injuries. CONCLUSION: Recurrent injuries of the foot and ankle, synchronous craniofacial injuries, and upper extremity injuries in young women (<35 years) should prompt radiologists to consider IPV.

Incidence and characteristics of spinal injuries in the victims of intimate partner violence (IPV).

PURPOSE: To describe the incidence and patterns of the spinal injuries in the victims of physical IPV. MATERIALS AND METHODS: With institutional review board (IRB) approval, we retrospectively reviewed patients referred to our institution's domestic violence intervention and prevention program with a diagnosis directly related to physical abuse between January 2013 and June 2018. Electronic health records and radiology reports were reviewed for all patients. RESULTS: A total of 21/688 (3%) IPV patients with 41 vertebral injuries were identified. The study population comprised of 19/21 (90%) females. Median age of the included patients was 43 years with a range of 21-72 years. All vertebral injuries were AO type A spinal injuries. Upper lumbar spine (L1 and L2) was the most common level of injury followed by upper to mid-thoracic spine. The reported mechanism of the injury was IPV in 8/21 (38.0%), fall in 8/21(38.0%), and incidental in 5/21 (24.0%). Ten out of 21 (48%) patients had concomitant injuries, most commonly to the craniofacial region 5/21 (23%). Psychiatry history was positive in 17/21 (81%), and substance abuse was positive in 15/21 (71%) of the patients. CONCLUSION: Incidence of spinal injuries is relatively low in IPV with morphologic AO type A injury being the most common type of injury and the upper lumbar spine being the most common level of injury.

Imaging Spectrum of Duodenal Emergencies.

The duodenum, the first portion of the small bowel, is divided into four segments and extends to both retro- and intraperitoneal spaces. Some conditions arise primarily from the duodenum, but it can be secondarily affected by processes that involve neighboring structures. When duodenal emergencies are not identified and treated promptly, they may result in high morbidity and mortality. Imaging plays an important role in the diagnosis of duodenal conditions in the acute setting. However, the radiologic findings can be subtle, and awareness of relevant patient history and clinical presentation is important as it may increase the index of suspicion and one's ability to diagnose these conditions. Duodenal peptic disease is common and can be complicated by bleeding and perforation. The duodenum can be secondarily involved by pancreatitis and gallbladder pathologic conditions and may be affected by iatrogenic complications following endoscopic procedures. Traumatic injuries to the duodenum are generally uncommon, with penetrating traumatic injury being the most frequent mechanism of injury. Duodenal vascular pathologic conditions such as aortoduodenal fistula are uncommon but can be life threatening. The knowledge of which pathologic condition can involve which duodenal segment can help the radiologist establish a differential diagnosis and achieve a more targeted imaging approach. The online slide presentation from the RSNA Annual Meeting is available for this article. ©RSNA, 2020.

Bone Marrow Edema at Dual-Energy CT: A Game Changer in the Emergency Department.

Dual-energy CT is increasingly being used in the emergency department to help diagnose acute conditions. Its applications include demonstrating bone marrow edema (BME) seen in the setting of occult fractures and other acute conditions. Dual-energy CT acquires data with two different x-ray energy spectra and is able to help differentiate materials on the basis of their differential energy-dependent x-ray absorption behaviors. Virtual noncalcium (VNCa) techniques can be used to suppress the high attenuation of trabecular bone, thus enabling visualization of subtle changes in the underlying attenuation of the bone marrow. Visualization of BME can be used to identify occult or mildly displaced fractures, pathologic fractures, metastases, and some less commonly visualized conditions such as ligamentous injuries or inflammatory arthritis. The authors' major focus is use of dual-energy CT as a diagnostic modality in the setting of trauma and to depict subtle or occult fractures. The authors also provide some scenarios in which dual-energy CT is used to help diagnose other acute conditions. The causes and pathophysiology of BME are reviewed. Dual-energy CT image acquisition and VNCa postprocessing techniques are also discussed, along with their applications in emergency settings. The authors present potential pitfalls and limitations of these techniques and their possible solutions.©RSNA, 2020.

Next-generation digital chest tomosynthesis.

The objective of this study was to demonstrate the performance characteristics and potential utility of a novel tomosynthesis device as applied to imaging the chest, specifically relating to lung nodules. The imaging characteristics and quality of a novel digital tomosynthesis prototype system was assessed by scanning, a healthy volunteer, and an andromorphic lung phantom with different configurations of simulated pulmonary nodules. The adequacy of nodule detection on the phantoms was rated by chest radiologists using a standardized scale. Results from using this tomosynthesis device demonstrate in plane resolution of 16lp/cm, with estimated effective radiation doses of 90% less than low dose CT. Nodule detection was adequate across various anatomic locations on a phantom. These proof-of-concept tests showed this novel tomosynthesis device can detect lung nodules with low radiation dose to the patient. This technique has potential as an alternative to low dose chest CT for lung nodule screening and tracking.

Cardiothoracic complications of immune checkpoint inhibitors.

A paradigm shift in cancer treatment occurred with the advent of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI). ICI therapy has improved tumor response and increased overall survival in patients with solid tumors and hematologic malignancies. While ICI therapy has improved overall patient outcomes in oncology, it has also introduced novel adverse effects called immune-related adverse effects (irAEs). Studies have shown that the development of irAEs is associated with improved overall survival, but certain irAEs like pneumonitis and myocarditis are life threatening, and could result in death if not identified and treated early. Therefore, it is important for radiologists to be aware of complications arising from ICI administration, especially those related to the heart and lungs as they are associated with greater mortality. This paper will review the imaging features of cardiothoracic toxicities, recurrent and chronic irAEs, and atypical tumor responses associated with irAEs.

Lung cancer with air lucency: a systematic review and clinical management guide.

Background: Lung cancers with air lucency are poorly understood, often recognized only after substantial progression. Methods: From a systematic review (PubMed and EMBASE, 2000-2022, terms related to cystic, cavitary, bulla, pseudocavitary, bubble-like, date 10-30-2022) 49 studies were selected using broad inclusion criteria (case series of ≥10 cases up to trials and reviews). There was no source of funding. Primary evidence relevant to clinical management issues was assembled. Because data was available only from heterogeneous retrospective case series, meta-analysis and formal risk-of-bias assessment was omitted. A framework was developed to guide clinical management based on the available data. Results: Demographic, smoking and histologic differences suggest that cystic, cavitary and bullous lung cancers with air lucency may be distinct entities; insufficient data leaves it unclear whether this also applies to pseudocavitary (solid) or bubble-like (ground glass) cancers. Annual observation of irregular thin-walled cysts is warranted; a surgical diagnosis (and resection) is justified once a solid component appears because subsequent progression is often rapid with markedly worse outcomes. Bubble-like ground glass lesions should be managed similarly. Cavitary lesions must be distinguished from infection or vasculitis, but generally require needle or surgical biopsy. Pseudocavitary lesions are less well studied; positron emission tomography may be useful in this setting to differentiate scar from malignancy. Further research is needed because these conclusions are based on interpretation of retrospective case series. Conclusions: The aggregate of available evidence suggests a framework for management of suspected lung cancers with air lucency. Greater awareness, earlier detection, and aggressive management once a solid component appears are needed. This review and framework should facilitate further research; questions include whether the suggested entities and proposed management are borne out and should involve clearly defined terms and outcomes related to progression and treatment. In summary, a conceptual understanding is emerging from interpretation of available data about a previously poorly understood topic; this should improve patient outcomes.

Rhinovirus infection of allergen-sensitized and -challenged mice induces eotaxin release from functionally polarized macrophages.

Human rhinovirus is responsible for the majority of virus-induced asthma exacerbations. To determine the immunologic mechanisms underlying rhinovirus (RV)-induced asthma exacerbations, we combined mouse models of allergic airways disease and human rhinovirus infection. We inoculated OVA-sensitized and challenged BALB/c mice with rhinovirus serotype 1B, a minor group strain capable of infecting mouse cells. Compared with sham-infected, OVA-treated mice, virus-infected mice showed increased lung infiltration with neutrophils, eosinophils and macrophages, airway cholinergic hyperresponsiveness, and increased lung expression of cytokines including eotaxin-1/CCL11, IL-4, IL-13, and IFN-gamma. Administration of anti-eotaxin-1 attenuated rhinovirus-induced airway eosinophilia and responsiveness. Immunohistochemical analysis showed eotaxin-1 in the lung macrophages of virus-infected, OVA-treated mice, and confocal fluorescence microscopy revealed colocalization of rhinovirus, eotaxin-1, and IL-4 in CD68-positive cells. RV inoculation of lung macrophages from OVA-treated, but not PBS-treated, mice induced expression of eotaxin-1, IL-4, and IL-13 ex vivo. Macrophages from OVA-treated mice showed increased expression of arginase-1, Ym-1, Mgl-2, and IL-10, indicating a shift in macrophage activation status. Depletion of macrophages from OVA-sensitized and -challenged mice reduced eosinophilic inflammation and airways responsiveness following RV infection. We conclude that augmented airway eosinophilic inflammation and hyperresponsiveness in RV-infected mice with allergic airways disease is directed in part by eotaxin-1. Airway macrophages from mice with allergic airways disease demonstrate a change in activation state characterized in part by altered eotaxin and IL-4 production in response to RV infection. These data provide a new paradigm to explain RV-induced asthma exacerbations.

Diseases of the pulmonary arteries: imaging appearances and pearls.

A wide spectrum of pathology, both congenital and acquired, can affect the pulmonary arteries. While some of these are commonly seen in everyday clinical practice, some are rare. These entities may be discovered incidentally at imaging for other reasons in an asymptomatic patient, however patients may go on to develop symptoms over the course of their lifetime. Although an enlarged pulmonary artery can be visualized on chest X-ray (CXR), for the most part, CXR is insensitive for detecting abnormalities of the pulmonary arteries. Contrast-enhanced chest CT (CECT) is a better test to evaluate the pulmonary arteries as it is readily available, quick to perform, able to provide multiplanar reformatted images, and noninvasive. CECT is not only able to assess the lumen and wall of the pulmonary artery, but also provides a detailed evaluation of the entire thorax, including the heart, mediastinal structures, and lungs, often times picking up associated findings, and is the mainstay for evaluating disorders of the pulmonary vasculature. MRI allows for detailed evaluation of the vessel wall which can be especially helpful in cases where malignancy or vasculitis are suspected, and is also able to provide useful physiologic data such as quantification of flow. It is important for the radiologist to be aware of the many conditions which affect the pulmonary arteries, as some may require urgent treatment. This article will review normal pulmonary artery anatomy and physiology, as well as the various imaging findings of pulmonary vascular pathologies.