Preliminary Diagnosis: Lung Abscess
I. What imaging technique is first-line for this diagnosis
-
Chest x-ray, PA and lateral view
II. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of this technique for diagnosis of a lung abscess.
Advantages
-
Fast and inexpensive imaging modality
-
Exposes the patient to minimal ionizing radiation
Continue Reading -
Highly portable
-
May be highly sensitive for diagnosing a lung abscess
Disadvantages
-
Low specificity for diagnosis of a lung abscess
-
Less adept in detailing any underlying primary parenchymal or pleural process and any secondary complication
III. What are the contraindications for the first-line imaging technique?
-
No specific contraindications to plain radiography exist. Consent may be required for pregnant patients at some institutions.
IV. What alternative imaging techniques are available?
-
CT of the chest with intravenous contrast
V. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of the alternative techniques for diagnosis of a lung abscess.
CT of the chest with intravenous contrast
Advantages
-
Gold standard in detecting and diagnosing a lung abscess
-
Highly sensitive and specific in detailing any underlying pulmonary process or any secondary complication
-
May help guide treatment
Disadvantages
-
Exposes patients to larger amounts of ionizing radiation
VI. What are the contraindications for the alternative imaging techniques?
CT of the chest with intravenous contrast
-
May be contraindicated in pregnant patients.
-
Contraindicated if there is an allergy to iodinated contrast
-
Relative contraindication in renal failure due to contrast exposure
Copyright © 2017, 2013 Decision Support in Medicine, LLC. All rights reserved.
No sponsor or advertiser has participated in, approved or paid for the content provided by Decision Support in Medicine LLC. The Licensed Content is the property of and copyrighted by DSM.
