Preliminary Diagnosis: Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
I. What imaging technique is first-line for this diagnosis?
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CT of the chest without contrast
II. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of this technique for diagnosising Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome.
Advantages
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Identifies features associated with ARDS, including intense pulmonary (parenchymal) opacification, ground glass opacities, plueral effusions, lobar atelectasis, lung abscesses, occult pneumothorax
Disadvantages
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Ionizing radiation exposure
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Relative increased cost compared to plan chest radiography
III. What are the contraindications for the first-line imaging technique?
Relative contraindication during pregnancy
IV. What alternative imaging techniques are available?
Radiographs of the chest (AP and/or PA + lateral)
V. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of the alternative techniques for diagnosis of acute respiratory distress syndrome.
Radiographs of the chest (AP and/or PA + lateral)
Advantages
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Quick
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Inexpensive
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May be obtained at bedside
Disadvantages
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Decreased amount of information relative to chest CT
VI. What are the contraindications for the alternative imaging techniques?
Radiographs of the chest (AP and/or PA + lateral)
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Consent may be required for pregnant patients at some institutions
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No absolute contraindications
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